Undeniably one of the greatest ladies to have graced the 40x20 court, Antrim’s Fiona Shannon is back into the top 10 official world handball rankings.
The latest world rankings were recently released following the 61st USHA National Four-Wall Championships held in Fridley, Minnesota where the 33-year-old cruised to her first US Open victory.
The Antrim star has dominated the modern era, amassing a staggering eight All-Ireland senior singles titles, five Irish Nationals, three successive world crowns and her latest major last month, the USA Open.
Shannon’s superior athleticism combined with an ability to execute the correct shots under pressure gives her an edge over her opponents. Her latest success in the States exemplified the gap which exists between her and the rest when she is at the top of her game.
In her four matches in Minnesota, no one scored double figures with the gifted St. Paul’s player, which included a devastating 21-8, 21-4 final win over Irish champion, Kerry’s Maria Daly.
Shannon currently resides at number seven in the most up-to-date seeding, but no one in handball circles would argue her position as the best player on the planet.
“I still see myself as the number one in the world and have proven this by winning three consecutive titles. Some of the women seeded higher than me have never defeated me before so it seems silly them being ranked above me.
“All in all the seeding doesn't really matter. All that matters is beating every opponent that comes before you no matter who they may be or where they are seeded,” she said.
Shannon will be favourite to scoop her fourth consecutive world crown when all the big hitters from across the World, namely Mexico, Canada and the USA come to visit Ireland next year to get their hands on the most precious of all trophies.
Nevertheless, the experienced campaigner is all too aware that her greatest challenges will come from a highly talented crop of players from home soil.
“At present the standard of ladies handball is definitely more superior in Ireland than in the USA. This is backed up by the fact that the Irish come out on top when competing at international competitions not only at senior level but also in the junior grades.
“The Irish have dominated ladies handball for the last decade and I believe with the young girls we have at present that this will continue for the foreseeable future.”
Fellow Antrim player Aisling Reilly (Ranked 2), Kerry duo Maria Daly (Ranked 8) and Ashley Prendiville, Down’s Lorraine Havern (Ranked 12) and rising star, Cork’s Catriona Casey are just some of the names that Shannon will keep a close eye on as she continues to pursue records.
Having collected every major honour and accolade in the game Fiona continues to hunger for further glory.
“I have to say I reached all of my goals when I won the US Nationals last month. That was the only title I didn't have and was the one that I sought after, having come so close on a few occasions.
“I have won all there is to win and feel that my wins will be tough to beat. With the worlds set for Ireland in 2012, I would be silly not to give it one last push and go for four-in-a-row. My training from now will therefore be geared towards that, with the All Irelands and Nationals being good preparation for this,” she concluded.
