Euro star Bianca Walkden reclaimed her French Open title in Paris to end a difficult year on the best possible note.
The 21-years-old Liverpudlian, devastated to miss Olympic Games selection, stunned Spain’s former World and European champion, Rosana Simon, in the +67 kg final.
A 3-0 victory was her 10th in succession during a five week period in which she also captured the Serbia and Swiss Open titles.
Walkden’s French triumph included a semi-final defeat of South Korea’s World silver medallist, An Sae Bom.
And with Mancunian Jordan Gayle (-68kg) and Nottingham’s Ruebyn Richards (-80kg) securing bronze medals, the Brits enjoyed their stay in the French capital.
“I’m happy to be back in form and just like a footballer- it’s great to get a hat-trick,” grinned Walkden two years after her last French title..
“The first two fights were cagey and to be honest I wasn’t happy.
“But then I went on to beat two world class players and I’m really happy that I’ve done a good job.
“I’ve had a tough year but I’m training hard and I feel I’m back on top.
“Going into 2013 my aim is to win gold after gold.
“But I’d swap them all for a World Championship title in Mexico next summer.” added Walkden.