Squash: NZ women clear first hurdle

New Zealand has made a successful start to the women's world squash team championships, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their opening pool game in Canada.

The sixth-seeded New Zealanders had few problems negotiating their first obstacle in Edmonton with Shelley Kitchen and Louise Crome particularly untroubled.

Kitchen, the New Zealand No 1 and world No 12, set the tone for a one-sided rubber, defeating Mami Nishio 9-3 9-2 9-3.

Crome was also an emphatic winner over Sachiko Shinta 9-0 9-2 9-3 though New Zealand No 2 Jaclyn Hawkes was pressed by Chinatsu Matsui before prevailing in four sets 9-3 6-9 9-0 9-7.

New Zealand's next match is a tougher proposition against third seeds Malaysia tomorrow.

Results: Shelley Kitchen beat Mami Nishio 9-3 9-2 9-3, Jaclyn Hawkes bt Chinatsu Matsui 9-3 6-9 9-0 9-7, Louise Crome bt Sachiko Shinta 9-0 9-2 9-3.

- NZPA