“I hadn’t thought I would win it,” is what Dipika Pallikal has to say of her newly-acquired British Open under-17 crown.

After years of disappointment that ended her previous campaigns at the quarter final stage, perhaps the feeling is still sinking in for the 16-year-old.

Joshna Chinappa had won the title in 2005.

This victory has propelled the youngster to the No.1 spot in the under-17 category in the world, and she reveals her coach since last September, Egyptian Amir Wagih, has made a world of difference to her game.

“He is very good and has worked on different aspects of my game in just four months. The British Open title is a testimony to it,” said Dipika, speaking to The Indian Express from Leeds.

The Chennai girl had to put up a tough fight all the way, and she remembers the quarter final against Canadian Laura Gemmell in particular.

“That was my first big win of the tournament. It was a really close game, and I eventually won it 3-1.

“In the final, I was up against top seed Heba El Torky, the defending champion for the past five years. That was another tough match.

“It was the first time I was playing on a glass court, and there were so many people...it was a bit scary,” admitted the Mittal Champions Trust girl.

Prior to the tournament, Dipika was not confident of her success at the tournament becasue of a back injury that had been troubling her.

... contd.