Rotorua squash player Amanda Landers-Murphy in action during the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Rotorua squash player Amanda Landers-Murphy in action during the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Photo / Getty Images
When it comes to people who deserve some time off, a squash player who played her heart out to win gold at the Commonwealth Games is probably near the top of the list.
However, with the international squash season in full swing, that has not been the case for Rotorua's Amanda Landers-Murphy, who had just three days at home before flying to Dublin for the Irish Open last week.
Landers-Murphy, who spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post from Bristol in England, where she will spend the next two weeks preparing for the British Open, was knocked out in the semi-finals in Ireland. She is 41st in the world women's rankings.
"I made it to where my seeding was, but I was disappointed with how I played, to not make it to the final," Landers-Murphy said.
She said the upcoming British Open was "one of the biggest" events on the PSA World Tour.
"It's one that has been around for years, that everyone targets, and this will be my first time playing it. I'm looking forward to getting a couple of weeks training in over here and then playing the tournament."
Landers-Murphy said her Commonwealth Games women's doubles final win with Joelle King, of Cambridge, had not properly sunk in yet. She has had little time to think about what she has achieved, but there was one moment when it hit home.
Amanda Landers-Murphy and Joelle King celebrate winning gold at the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind. It took a few days to recover, but I'm getting there now. I think having that welcome home at Geyser City [Squash Club] - that was amazing. I can't believe they did that for me and I can't believe how many people showed up.
"I think that was the biggest realisation for me, seeing how many people were there and how much it meant to them. That's when it hit home a bit more."
Because doubles was "a completely different game" to singles, she said winning gold had not changed the approach of her opposition in Ireland. It had given her more confidence, though.
"For me, it has helped my confidence to know, in some ways, I can match it with the top girls. That's why I'm quite excited about this next training block, I want to get myself into those top rankings for singles as well, that's my next goal.
"I haven't had time to stop, but I think that's a good thing. I'm excited about this next phase, it's exciting being over here and that's why it's the right move for myself."
Although the British Open is singles, she is staying with doubles partner King in Bristol.
"She's a really good friend and we're in contact quite a lot. She's done a lot for me, I'm very lucky to have her in my corner."
Landers-Murphy returns to New Zealand in June and will compete in the National Individual Championships in Auckland from June 15-17.
