Squash: Kiwi duo on top of the world

New Zealand players Shelley Kitchen and Tamsyn Leevey were crowned world champions yesterday after completing an outstanding doubles campaign in Melbourne.

Kitchen and Leevey beat Australians Robyn Cooper and Sarah Fitz-Gerald 9-6, 10-8, 9-6 in a one-sided final at the doubles world championships.

It was no more than the New Zealanders deserved after dominating their matches all week.

They were too efficient for their opponents, including former world No 1 Fitz-Gerald, who has come out of retirement.

New Zealand coach Dave Clarke said although each of yesterday's three games were tight, Kitchen and Leevey always appeared in control.

"They played very well, they had a plan and stuck to it," said Clarke.

"They just carried it out really well and hit some excellent winners, just as they've done throughout the tournament."

The New Zealanders are paired together for the Commonwealth Games at the same Melbourne venue in two months. Clarke said their confidence would now be brimming for that event.

"This certainly won't do any harm, the Games will be something to look forward to."

The world championships were successful for the New Zealand contingent, with five of the six combinations reaching the semifinals.

However, Kitchen and Leevey were the only pair to advance to a final.

Manchester 2002 Games champion Glen Wilson damaged an adductor muscle and was forced to withdraw on Thursday.

He was to head to Auckland for treatment but was expected to be fit for the Games.

- NZPA