Former champions Greg Gaultier (pic ri) and Natalie Grinham survived 4-game finals in the European Individual Championships in Warsaw to reclaim the titles they had won in previous years. It was a historic climax for Frenchman Gaultier who was celebrating his 8th successive appearance in the men’s final and his 4th meeting in a row with his compatriot Thierry Lincou (pic le). Lincou ended Gaultier’s run of 5 successive title triumphs in 2009 by winning the trophy for the 1st time – then repeated his win last year. But this was to be Gaultier’s year – and the world No6, recovered from a game down to beat Lincou 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7 to win his 6th crown. The women’s final also produced a triumphant outcome for the 2009 champion Natalie Grinham who was unable to compete in last year’s event due to the birth of her son. But 1 year after her son made his first appearance, the Australian-born 33-year-old from the Netherlands proved that she is back as the top player by beating French favourite Camille Serme 7-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-5 in 46 minutes.
