Squash: Kitchen wins bronze

Shelley Kitchen of NZ returns a shot to Nicol David of Malaysia. Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne today, beating world squash No 1 Nicol David in four games.

Kitchen bemoaned having to even play the Commonwealth Games bronze medal squash match, but after her boilover victory here today she said it felt like gold.

The England-based, Kaitaia-raised professional, 27, raised both fists in triumph after riding a wave of rowdy New Zealand support in her four-game victory over world No 1 Nicol David of Malaysia.

"I was complaining about having to play today, thinking 'last time we didn't have a playoff'," Kitchen said in reference to the two bronzes awarded in Manchester four years ago.

"To win, it's just amazing. I can't believe it actually... it feels like I've won a gold medal. I know it's bronze but I still feel great."

And she isn't finished yet, joining world champion doubles partner Tamsyn Leevey as second seeds in the doubles on Wednesday and mixed doubles with Glen Wilson.

Kitchen, the world No 15, more than earned her bronze in the biggest result of her singles career.

She won five matches including victories over the English fourth and fifth seeds, a loss to world No 2 Rachael Grinham yesterday then the 5-9 9-6 9-5 9-2 win in 48 minutes before a 500-strong at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre today.

The majority were black-clad, flag-waving New Zealand supporters and included her parents, Kaitaia firefighter Gary and wife Raina, and Kitchen's Australian squash player partner Anthony Ricketts.

After sealing victory on her second match ball with a drop volley, a jubilant Kitchen was enveloped by hugs and kisses from her family and New Zealand teammates.

"I always seem to play so well when I play for my country. I did really well at the world teams event a few years ago, also at the world doubles here (in January). You just have so much support.

"When you're on the tour you're just on your own, no support whatsoever... I wish I could take them everywhere."

It was just her second career victory over David, 22, last year's World Open and British Open champion who was silver medallist in Manchester.

Kitchen started strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead but the fleet-footed David rattled off the next seven points to take control of the first game.

It looked like more of the same in the second as David built a lead, but Kitchen fought back and converted her first game ball after a marathon rally.

"I was lucky to grab that second, it was the vital game. I calmed down a little bit and got my confidence."

Kitchen lifted with the crowd, started to take control of points and force errors from the Malaysian.

She came from behind again to convert her first game ball in the third, and with David rattled, Kitchen went to 7-1 up in the fourth and it was a matter of time.

David paid tribute to Kitchen and said her 80-minute semifinal marathon loss to Australian Natalie Grinham yesterday took its toll.

"I started off well but after yesterday, just emotionally, physically and mentally it was difficult to bring it up a notch," David said.

"Shelley played a good game and went all out. Everything she hit went in, hats off to her."

As for the doubles, Kitchen's main focus, she said: "anything extra will be great."

She planned for a day of rest and shopping tomorrow and said the five-strong team of physiotherapists and masseuses in the athlete's village were carrying her through the punishing squash schedule.

- NZPA