New Zealand have suffered their first defeat at the Women's World Team Squash Championships in Canada.
However, the sixth seeded Kiwis have gone down fighting, losing 2-1 to third seeded Malaysia.
New Zealand number two Jaclyn Hawkes picked up the team's only win, beating Sharon Wee 3-9 9-7 9-4 9-5.
World number one Nicol David was simply too good for Shelley Kitchen in the match between the two number one players, strolling to a 9-1 9-3 9-4 victory, while Trisha Chuah nailed the points when it counted to beat Louise Crome 10-8 1-9 9-4 in the battle of the number threes.
Malaysia have now qualified for the quarterfinals with one round to play against Japan tomorrow, while New Zealand must beat USA to be guaranteed a spot in the last eight.
Results:
Malaysia beat New Zealand 2-1
Tricia Chuah def Louise Crome 10-8 10-9 9-4 (35 minutes)
Sharon Wee lost to Jaclyn Hawkes 3-9 9-7 9-4 9-5 (36 minutes)
Nicol David def Shelley Kitchen 9-1 9-3 9-4 (35 minutes)
- NZPA
