Kelly’s National Championship weekend was a triple success

Competing in the National Championships in Sheffield at the weekend, the 24-year-old from Leamington fought her way to what was her third consecutive individual title at the event.

And to round off an incredible two days, Sibley also won the doubles and mixed doubles titles, making it a clean sweep for the second year running.

“Winning the singles title was a lot more difficult than I would have liked,” said Sibley.

“In the quarter final I was 2-0 down and down 4-2 and in the semi final it was 3-3 and then she was winning 8-3 and then 9-4.”

“I could’ve been a goner but even when I was losing in the final I knew what I had to do.

“I kept being positive and used my experience to grind it out .

“When I won I let out a massive ‘yes’ and and went over to my mum to give her a massive hug.”

Sibley beat Tin-Tin Ho in a thrilling quarter final in six games, defeated Karina Le Fevre in seven in the semi and Joanna Parker 4-3 (11-9, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 10-12, 8-11, 11-4) in the final .

She also teamed up with Parker to beat Jess Dawson and Chloe Whyte 3-0 in the Ladies Doubles and partnered Darius Knight for a 3-0 success over Parker and Drinkhall in the Mixed Doubles.

“I put a lot of work into my training and I knew I could keep going through all of the matches,” said Sibley.

“Some players choose not to play doubles to focus their energy on the singles but for me it wasn’t a problem.”

Sibley will compete in the Commonwealth Championships in Delhi and the World Championships in Paris in May.

Due to UK Sport cutting its funding Sibley is seeking sponsorship until the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Now she is fully fit she believes a medal is definitely possible.

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