‘I’m a contender for gold in Rio’ – Whiley

Jordanne Whiley believes retaining her British Open title has laid down a marker for this summer’s Paralympics.

Ickenham-based Whiley thrashed world number three Aniek van Koot 6-3, 6-0 in Nottingham to lift the trophy again.

In a repeat of last year’s final, she raced into a 3-0 first set lead and despite van Koot fighting back to 4-3, Whiley reeled off eight games in a row to wrap up the second Super Series singles title of her career, 12 months after landing her first in the same competition.

“It was tougher than the scoreline suggests,” Whiley said.

“Aniek is a tough opponent because she has that big forehand and a solid backhand. I felt like I played really well, I used the court well and didn’t get over excited and start hitting big, I just placed the ball well and hit my spots.

“I came here to make a mark and say to everyone that I’m a competitor for gold in Rio and I think I’ve done that by beating everyone and winning the title.”

There was no such luck for Eastcote’s Andy Lapthorne, as he and Jamie Burdekin lost the quad doubles final despite winning the opening set.

Lapthorne and Burdekin led 5-0, eventually taking it 6-3, but Americans David Wagner and Bryan Barten won the second set 6-1 and then took the decider 6-4.