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Vanessa Atkinson

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Vanessa Atkinson
Atkinson during 2009 Women's World Open
Full nameVanessa Louise Atkinson
Country Netherlands
Born (1976-03-10) 10 March 1976 (age 48)
Newcastle, England
ResidenceLeeds, England
Turned pro1995
Retired2011
PlaysRight Handed
Coached byLiz Irving
Racquet usedKarakal
Women's singles
Highest rankingNo. 1 (December, 2005)
Title(s)25
Tour final(s)42
World OpenW (2004)
Medal record
Women's squash
Representing  Netherlands
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2004 Kuala Lumpur Singles
Bronze medal – third place 2003 Hong Kong Singles
Bronze medal – third place 2005 Hong Kong Singles
Updated on 3 December 2019.

Vanessa Louise Atkinson (born 10 March 1976 in Newcastle, England) is a former professional squash player from the Netherlands, who won the World Open in 2004 and reached the World No. 1 ranking in December 2005.

Atkinson was born in England, but her family moved to the Netherlands when she was still a child. She began playing squash as a youngster in Dordrecht. She now resides in Harrogate, Yorkshire, with her partner James Willstrop, himself a professional squash player and a former World No. 1.[1][2]

Atkinson's biggest win came in 2004 when she won the World Open title in Kuala Lumpur by defeating fellow compatriote Natalie Grinham (at that time still representing Australia) with a score of 9–1, 9–1, 9–5 in the final.[3] Atkinson also has won major tournaments in Qatar, New York, Monte Carlo, Malaysia and Ireland.

Atkinson retired from professional play in May 2011.

Finals: 1 (1 title, 0 runner-up)

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Outcome Year Location Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner 2004 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Australia Natalie Grinham 9–1, 9–1, 9–5

Major World Series final appearances

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Qatar Classic: 2 finals (2 titles, 0 runner-up)

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Outcome Year Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner 2004 Australia Rachael Grinham 9-4, 9-7, 9-6
Winner 2005 England Vicky Botwright 9-7, 9-4, 9-2

Malaysian Open: 2 finals (1 title, 1 runner-up)

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Outcome Year Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner 2004 Malaysia Nicol David 9-2, 9-4, 9-0
Runner-up 2005 Malaysia Nicol David 3-9, 9-3, 1-9, 9-1, 9-4

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ashour & Matthew on course to meet". BBC Sport.
  2. ^ "James Willstrop profile". Squash Info. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Atkinson crowned World Champion". Squashsite.co.uk. Retrieved 14 May 2009.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Rachael Grinham
Nicol David
World No. 1
December 2005
April 2006 – July 2006
Succeeded by
Nicol David
Nicol David
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
WISPA Player of the Year
2004
Succeeded by