Cassie Campion

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Cassie Jackman (born December 22, 1972 and competing in some years as Cassie Campion) was an English squash player who won the World Open in 1999. She has been England's leading player throughout much of the 1990s and early 21st century. She retired due to a recurring back injury in December 2004.

[edit] Career

Born in North Walsham, Norfolk, England, Cassie was such a talented youngster that her coaches would match her against boys. She won the world Junior Women's crown in 1991, and a year later the legendary Susan Devoy claimed she was good enough to replace her at the top of women's squash, but Cassie found it hard going, losing the 1994 World Open final to Michelle Martin 9/1 9/0 9/6.

She had no luck in he 1996 World Open final either, losing to Sarah Fitz-Gerald 9-4 9-2 4-9 9-6 who would go on to win another four World Opens. At the 1998 Commonwealth Games she won a gold medal in the doubles with Sue Wright, and a bronze in the singles.

1999 saw Cassie gain her only World Open title, beating her great rival Michelle Martin 9-6, 9-7, 9-7 in Seattle. However, she was disappointed not to land the British Open when she lost to Leilani Joyce in the final in Aberdeen.

In 2000 she held the number one ranking player position throughout much of the year. Later that year saw the occurrence of a back problem that required surgery. Much of 2001 was spent recovering from that. 2003 saw Cassie reach the final again, but she lost out to Carol Owens 3-9, 9-2, 9-7, 9-3.