STEVE Jackson of Bourne Club achieved his first victory at a National Masters Championship when he competed in the iconic British Open, held this year at Colets Club in Thames Ditton.

Over the years, he has reached the quarters, semis and finals, but never managed to clinch a title.

With five rounds to play over five consecutive days, it was never going to be easy and with many old rivals in the men’s O65 draw, the task looked daunting.

However, Jackson, seeded three, overcame all his rivals to clinch the title. Probably the toughest game was the quarter-final where he squeezed through 3-2 against old friend and foe, Howard Cherlin. The pair have been playing each other for over 30 years.

The final, by contrast, was a more straightforward affair, Jackson beating the second seed and National champion, Ian Graham, in straight sets (17-15, 15-7, 15-5).

The prizes were presented by squash legend Ross Norman, former World Champion and the man who, in 1986, ended the 5½-year, 555-match unbeaten run of the great Jahangir Khan.