New Zealand through to top twelve in Doha

New Zealand has beaten South Africa tp secure a spot in the top 12 knockout round at the World Champs

A crucial victory for New Zealand at the World Junior Men's Team Squash Championships in Doha.

The 11th seeded Kiwis have beaten South Africa 3-nil to confirm a spot in the top 12 in the knockout stage.  However, the scoreline does not reflect how close the tie really was.

Todd Redman won the opening match against Luke Willemse, surviving an impressive fightback from the South African number three to win 11-7 13-11 6-11 5-11 11-4 in just under an hour.

New Zealand number one Jonny Barnett then confirmed victory with an equally hard fought battle against Ruan Oliver, bouncing back from 2-1 down to win 11-6 8-11 7-11 11-8 11-3.

Zac Millar completed the 3-nil scoreline with an 11-5 12-10 7-11 11-8 victory over Nell Van Der Merwe.

New Zealand go through to the top 12 alongside Pool B winners Pakistan, with the top two in each pool advancing.  The Kiwi team will play fifth seeded Hong Kong for a place in the last eight.

Result
11)New Zealand def 13/18) South Africa 3-0
3)Todd Redman def Luke Willemse 11-7 13-11 6-11 5-11 11-4 (58 mins)
1)Jonny Barnett def Ruan Oliver 11-6 8-11 7-11 11-8 11-3 (65 mins)
2)Zac Millar def Nell Van Der Merwe 11-5 12-10 7-11 11-8 (36 mins)

Official tournament site...www.wsfworldjuniors.com/