Squash: England stop NZ in semifinals

9.00am

New Zealand's storming run in the women's world team squash championships, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, was finally brought to an end by England in the semifinals this morning.

Louise Crome, Shelley Kitchen and Tamsyn Leevey lost 0-3 to the second seeds and New Zealand now play in the bronze medal playoff tomorrow against Egypt, who lost to Australia in the other semifinal.

Team manager Dave Clark told NZPA the young team had played to their potential and beyond to make the semifinals.

"We have lost two world number ones - Leilani Rorani and Carol Owens, in a short period of time - and this young team have done extremely well to get to the semifinals."

Egypt are the fourth seeds but Clark was confident the sixth-seeded New Zealanders would give their opponents a good fight for the bronze medal.

Australia, the top seeds and defending champions, will be appearing in their 10th successive final.

Result

New Zealand 0 England 3 (Louise Crome lost to Fiona Geaves 4-9 4-9 1-9; Shelley Kitchen lost to Cassie Jackman 4-9 5-9 4-9; Tamsyn Leevey lost to Linda el Riani 6-9 6-9).

- NZPA