Shoreham star Jonah seals national title

Shoreham squash star Jonah Bryant was crowned the under-11 national champion last month.
Jonah Bryant holds his under-11 national title alongside squash professional Nick MatthewJonah Bryant holds his under-11 national title alongside squash professional Nick Matthew
Jonah Bryant holds his under-11 national title alongside squash professional Nick Matthew

Jonah, 11, overcame top seed Abdallah Eissa in the final to clinch his age group crown in Sheffield.

A fine showing saw him dispatch Abdallah 11-3, 11-2, 11-3 in just 17 minutes to claim the under-11 championship trophy.

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Jonah, whose father Ross is a former professional player, admitted it was a great feeling to become national champion and said: “It was great to win this national event.

“I had played the top seed earlier in the year and beaten him but I knew it was going to be tough in the final.

“Fortunately, I managed to win once again and become champion.”

Following his victory, Jonah has now moved out of the 11-and-under category.

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The Shoreham squash star will now compete at under-13 level in many competitions but he is hopeful his success can continue.

He added: “I competed in a few under-13 events when I was ten.

“It’s going to be tough to make the step up at first but I’m hoping I’ll be able to get used to it.”

Jonah will be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps as he made it as a professional in the sport.

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Jonah said: “My dad taught me at the start and is still helping me now.

“He works in China, so it can be difficult at times but he has been a great help for me.

“My aim is to one day follow in his footsteps and become a professional in the game as well.”

Jonah’s mother, Bernadette, is hopeful Jonah can keep up his continued progress.

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She said: “Both myself and Ross are very proud of what Jonah has managed to achieve so far.

“He had set himself a target of becoming national champion at under-11 level and number one in the age group, which he has achieved.

“Jonah works so hard and trains every day so this was fully deserved.”

Despite Jonah’s success, his mother admits they are looking at introducing a rest day for him.

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She added: “Jonah is very dedicated and trains every day. He trains and plays for Corals in Brighton and works really hard.

“What we are looking to do is introduce a day of rest but at this minute it is proving difficult to try and get Jonah to agree.

“He is currently being coached by Ben Hutton, who has helped him a great deal in the past few months.

“I just want to see Jonah continue to progress and keep on growing as a player.”

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