Sibley the best

The victories followed on from news that Great Britain will be allowed to compete at London 2012 after being granted permission to utilise Host Nation Qualification Places.

The decision means Team GB will get three places apiece for both their men’s and women’s sides.

“We’ve worked so hard for the Great Britain team to be included in the Olympics,” said Sibley, who narrowly missed out on qualification in 2008. “It’s a great relief.”

Sibley beat England teammate Joanna Parker in the final of the women’s singles, coming back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 in a high quality match littered with lengthy rallies.

She also won the women’s doubles, partnering Parker to victory over the junior Cleveland partnership of Chloe Whyte and Jess Dawson.

Sibley said regaining the women’s singles, which she first held in 2007/8, was the result of meticulous preparation and a great deal of self-belief.

“The two wins at the championships were great results to top off a good week,” she said.

“It’s a great feeling to be national champion and it’s a good way to thank my parents and my coach.

“This year I felt a lot more confident and knew I’d done everything I needed to do in the run-up to the competition.

“I’ve played and practised against Joanna so much I could play her in my sleep - we know each other’s play so well.

“But I’d beaten her before and I knew I had to fight for every ball.

“I never doubted myself and that’s what made me win the last two games.”

Sibley’s next major event is the Spanish Open which starts in Almeria on April 6, with the World Championships following in May.

However, she admits she already has one eye on the Olympics.

“The worlds are a learning curve. It’s an opportunity to watch what the Asian players do and take tips from the way they prepare.

“From a playing perspective, I’ve got some personal goals, but I could get drawn against a top player in the first round.

“If I play well, whether I win or lose it is important to keep learning as everything is now geared towards 2012.”

Also at the national championships, Leamington junior Charlotte Spencer failed to qualify from her first-round group despite a superb victory over England number 34 Sue Collier.