Winning Start for Kiwis in Nimes
13 Nov 2012The New Zealand Women's Team has got off to a strong start at the World Championships, beating Japan and USA 3-0.
Joelle King got the team off to a strong start in its morning tie against Japan, beating Misaki Kobayashi in straight games. Jaclyn Hawkes, playing her first event in over a month after illness, was then given a scare by Japanese number two Chinatsu Matsui. After Jaclyn took the first game relatively comfortably, Matsui came back very strongly to win the next two. Jaclyn rallied, however, to take the fourth 11-6 and set up a decider - which she also won 11-6. Last on court was Amanda Landers-Murphy, making her senior representative debut. She brushed aside Mayu Yamazaki in four sets to seal the victory for New Zealand.
Joelle King bt Misaki Kobayashi 11-8, 11-7, 11-1
Jaclyn Hawkes bt Chinatsu Matsui 11-6, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6
Amanda Landers-Murphy bt Mayu Yamazaki 10-12, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
In the afternoon it was back on court against USA, on an all-glass court this time. The Kiwis again thrived; Joelle achieving a smart straight games win over ex World Number One Natalie Grainger, Jaclyn clinical over Sabrina Sobhy, and Kylie also celebrating her first appearance at senior World Team Championship level with a win.
Joelle King bt Natalie Grainger 11-9, 11-8, 11-5
Jaclyn Hawkes bt Sabrina Sobhy 11-4, 11-9, 11-3
Kylie Lindsay bt Olivia Feichter 11-7, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9
The two wins guarantee New Zealand top spot in Pool E, meaning the ladies will play the second ranked team in Pool F (probably Canada) in the Round of 16 match.
Full results: http://www.sitesquash.com/nimeswwtresultats.htm.
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