Squash: Joyce savours Qatar event despite loss

Leilani Joyce has no regrets about playing in the Qatar Open, despite a 9-0, 9-2, 9-1 thrashing by Sarah Fitz-Gerald in the final yesterday.

Fellow Kiwis Shelley Kitchen and Carol Owens last week opted out of the event, citing safety concerns following the terrorist attacks on the United States in September and the expected retaliation.

Joyce, the world No 2, said the players were treated well during their time in Qatar and they had no concern about their personal safety.

"It's been an absolute privilege to play here and be in this country," she said.

"The red carpet has been put out for us."

Joyce said she did not really follow the news on television while in Qatar, concentrating instead on the Open, but said the local lifestyle had changed little since the attacks on New York and Washington.

"It's as normal as it is back home and very, very peaceful.

"A lot of American forces are based in the Gulf, so there's that added security and comfort.

"It's not like there's been troops marching around, tanks or anything like that. There has been no need for concern."

Australian Fitz-Gerald, who reclaimed the world No 1 ranking from Joyce last week after battling back from a serious knee injury over the past 18 months, demolished the New Zealander in just over half an hour.

Joyce offered no excuses, the loss an emphatic reminder of her demotion to the No 2 ranking.

"Physically, I was feeling good, and mentally I wanted to do well in this final, but she was just on fire and there's little that you can do against a player who's totally in the zone.

"She was just a magnificent athlete today and I had no answer for her. As the game progressed she got better and I got worse, but that was because of the pressure she was applying."

In the men's final, England's Peter Nicol beat Australian David Palmer 15-12, 15-5, 10-15, 12-15, 15-10.

The World Open is in Melbourne next week.

- NZPA