TWO sisters are continuing their world domination of real tennis.

World champion Claire Fahey and world number two Sarah Vigrass, from Inworth, dominated the women’s Real Tennis World Championships, at Leamington Spa.

Fahey, 23, the head professional at Holyport Real Tennis Club, near Windsor, swept the board as she defeated her sister in a thrilling battle to retain her singles world crown.

The pair, who started playing Real Tennis at Prested Hall, near Colchester, then combined superbly in the doubles, thrashing six times world champion Penny Lumley and her daughter Tara, 20, the former US open champion, in straight sets.

Fahey, the greatest ever female player, who is world ranked 20 (men and women), went into the history books this season when she was allowed to play for the first time in the previously all-male British and US Open Championships, reaching the last 16 of each and the semis of the US Doubles, beating several top male professionals.

This week she received a further accolade when the French Association voted to allow her to play in their Open Championship in September.

Fahey out hit Tara Lumley, the world’s top Under-21, in their quarter-final 6-0, 6-0 then dropped just one game in her semi-final against American number one Freddy Adam.

Vigrass looked equally invincible against third seed Penny Lumley in the semis, where her athleticism and exquisite shot-making proved decisive and despite some spectacular rallies, Lumley gleaned just one game.

In the final, Fahey needed all her power and experience to hold off her elder sister’s challenge in an unexpectedly close encounter.

Fahey, who recently married men’s world champion Rob, trailed 3-1 in the opening set before imposing her extra guile and weight of shot to score a thrilling victory and snatch her third women’s world singles crown in a row.

The event, which attracted a record entry of players from Britain, France, Holland, Australia and the USA, was staged at the Leamington Real Tennis Club for the first time.

HRH The Earl of Wessex, himself a keen player and knowledgeable ambassador for the game, presented the prizes.

Fahey said: “It was a fantastic tournament and wonderful to welcome Prince Edward who’s a great supporter of our game.

“I was thrilled to retain the singles and doubles titles – I love partnering Sarah as, being sisters, we really understand each other’s game.

“It was encouraging to see so many talented young players coming through.”

Vigrass added: “There was a terrific atmosphere.

“The viewing galleries were packed, all the matches were streamed live on YouTube and it’s given hundreds of people the chance to watch the women’s game for the first time.

“We’re hoping lots more women will be inspired to take it up as it’s a really strategic game with a good handicap system that means women can play it on equal terms with men.”