Jenny Duncalf aiming to bow out in style at British Open in Hull

England's Jenny Duncalf in action against Malaysia's Nicol David in the final of the women's squash at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Picture: PA

WHETHER it be Monday, Tuesday, or sometime later this week, Jenny Duncalf intends to go into retirement on her own terms and determined to have put on a ‘show.’

After a professional career spanning almost 20 years, the former world No 2 from Harrogate decided to call it a day earlier this month, using the fitting stage of this week’s British Open University of Hull to finally bring down the curtain.

It comes a year after the retirement of Sheffield’s Nick Matthew, leaving James Willstrop as the sole survivor of a Yorkshire-based trio who took it in turns to share the limelight at the top of the game for so many years.

From the reaction of fellow players along with squash fans and officials on Twitter and Facebook where the 36-year-old made her announcement it was clear to see what a popular and widely-respected individual Duncalf has been over the years.

On Monday she faces reigning world junior champion Rowan Elaraby in the first round one match on the glass showcourt in Hull, fittingly so given what she has contributed over the years. If she prevails, an encounter against world No 1 and pre-tournament favourite Raneem El Welily on the same court is her reward.

Whenever it is she does finally bow out, it won’t be the last squash fans in Hull and around the world will see of Duncalf, who has already taken the next steps towards a post-playing career by becoming a regular MC at tournaments over the last couple of years.

Clearly, though, the on-court, post-match interviewer role will be left to somebody else – most likely close friend and former world No 1 Vanessa Atkinson – when it is time for Duncalf to talk following the defeat that does finally bring her to reflect on her career.

“It’s a funny one really because I won’t obviously know how I actually feel until it happens,” said Duncalf in Leeds this week. “Retiring has been on my mind, I guess, and it is very strange when it is everything I’ve ever done or wanted to do since I was little.

Jenny Duncalf, retiring after 20 years on the professional squash circuit. Picture courtesy of PSA.

“I’ve just been so used to it every year – jumping on a plane, entering tournaments. I am a little bit worried that it is suddenly going to hit me that I’m not going to be able to do the things I’ve done my whole life.

“First of all, I’m going to try and enjoy the match. My training preparation hasn’t been ideal because I’ve been MC-ing a lot, but I just want to put on a half-decent show.