King crowned but Knight falls at Nationals

Mixed fortunes for the top seeds at the New Zealand National Champs i New Plymouth

Joelle King has retained her title at the New Zealand national champs, after a thrilling victory over fellow professional Jaclyn Hawkes in the final.  The world number 12 started well, winning the first game 11-3, but Hawkes was soon back on level terms after claiming the second 11-9.  The two New Zealand teammates then went blow for blow in the crucial third, with King just nicking it 16-14.  That game proved decisive, with 23-year-old King maintaining her momentum to close out the match 11-3, 9-11, 16-14, 11-5.

However, Martin Knight has failed to defend his title in the men's competition.  Knight has been beaten in straight games by second seed Campbell Grayson, who reclaims the title he won in 2010.  Grayson proved far too good on the day, sweeping to a comfortable 11-6, 11-9, 11-7 victory.

With the completion of the individual event, the players will now represent their provinces in the teams event starting tomorrow.

Results...
Women

Final
1. Joelle King (Waikato) def 2. Jaclyn Hawkes (Auckland) 11-3, 9-11, 16-14, 11-5
Third place playoff
3. Kylie Lindsay (Waikato) def Megan Craig (Canterbury) 11-1, 11-7, 11-3

Men
Final
2. Campbell Grayson (Auckland) def 1. Martin Knight (Auckland) 11-6, 11-9, 11-7
Third place playoff
4. Kashif Shuja (Central) def 3. Evan Williams (Wellington) 9-11, 12-10, 11-1, 11-8

Tournament site...www.kpsquash.co.nz/