Squash: Joyce picks up easy victory

Leilani Joyce shrugged off an enforced break from competitive play to easily capture the Auckland Open squash title at Remuera yesterday.

Joyce, returning to England tomorrow for the defence of her British Open title, won her four matches at the Lion Foundation-sponsored open without dropping a game.

While admitting she was still "a little rusty" following a hand injury, Joyce was too good for third seed Shelley Kitchen in the final, winning 9-4, 9-2, 9-6.

Joyce's task was made easier following the late withdrawal of second seed and national champion Sarah Cook.

Men's second seed George Crosby (Wellington) upset top seed and Waikato open champion Allan Crome 15-11, 15-12, 8-15, 15-14.

The final, in front of a good crowd at the Remuera Rackets Club, was the second selection tournament for the New Zealand men's team which will be selected in September to play the world championships.