Squash: Leilani Joyce wins British Open

7:30 AM

LONDON - New Zealander Leilani Joyce has climbed to the World Number 1 squash ranking with victory at the British Open in Birmingham.

Joyce defended her British Open title by beating Sue Wright of Britain 9-7, 9-4, 9-2 in the final.

Wright had struggled to qualify for the tournament following injuries and a bout of viral pneumonia.

Joyce, on the other hand, was in top form. The 26-year-old came through the tournament undefeated.