DOHA, Dec 6: The richest squash championships of the year produced stunning upsets in both finals in Doha when England’s ninth seeded Lee Beachill beat second-seeded Scot John White to claim men’s title and Natalie Grainger, second seed from the USA, overcame New Zealand favourite Carol Owens to collect women’s trophy in Qatar Squash Classic at Khalifa Squash Complex.

Beachill, 26-year-old World No9 in his first PSA Super Series final, raced to a two game lead over White, World No2. But the 30-year-old, in his fourth final of the year, pulled back to level the match.

However, Beachill who raised his game two days earlier to trounce the World No1 and defending champion, Peter Nicol, in straight games, dug deep and ultimately prevailed 15-12 15-5 11-15 12-15 15-9 in 94 minutes to secure his first PSA Tour title since January 2001 - and unquestionably the most significant of his career.

“I can hardly believe it,” English No2 said. “This has been a great week for me: my win over Peter Nicol gave me a lot of confidence, and now this victory over John has boosted me even more, showing that I’ve got both physical strength as well as ability.

“I feel I’ve done it the hard way, with a lot of tough matches over the week. But overall, I’m just over the moon. This is without doubt the most satisfying win of my career.”

The women’s final had audience sitting on the edge of their seats throughout. Owens, the World No1, raced to an 8-3 lead in the first game. An initially nervous Grainger saved the game-ball, then fought back to 8-8 in a single hand.

Moments later it was the American who had her first game-ball at 9-8, then converted the second at 9-9 to take the early advantage.

The second game was almost the reverse of the first, with a now confident Grainger quickly moving to 8-3, with Owens saving seven further game-balls before the 26-year-old finally went two games ahead.

Owens edged the third game, but Grainger rallied back in the fourth to claim a dramatic 10-9 9-7 9-10 9-4 victory in 61 minutes..

“I really can’t believe it,” said Grainger, WISPA President. “Six weeks ago I lost in the first round of the US Open, so I had to have time out to think - and now I’m back, loving my squash again. It seems to be all coming together heading into the World Open next week in Hong Kong.

“Game points against Carol are the hardest thing in the world to win - she keeps coming back. But I was damned if I was going to have another five-gamer with her,” said the World No5, referring to their matches in World Open a year ago and in the Tournament of Champions at the beginning of year.

Results: Men’s: (9) Lee Beachill (ENG) bt (2) John White (SCO) 15-12 15-5 11-15 12-15 15-9.

Women’s: (2) Natalie Grainger (USA) bt (1) Carol Owens (NZL) 10-9 9-7 9-10 9-4.—PPI