Squash: Second win could move Kitchen into world elite

By JULIE ASH

New Zealand's Shelley Kitchen could move into the world's top 20 after winning her second professional title.

Kitchen won the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur a week after claiming her first Women's International Squash Players Association tournament title, the Singapore Open.

The 21-year-old Aucklander beat Egypt's Maha Zein in the final of the Malaysian Open 9-2, 0-9, 9-4, 9-0.

"I was out to win and once I saw the draw for both tournaments I knew I could," she said.

Although the competition in both tournaments wasn't that strong, Kitchen attributes her success to a good buildup.

"I have been based at home for February, March and April which has helped my fitness as I have played a lot of matches against men which I wouldn't have been able to do had I been travelling."

Kitchen is currently ranked 22nd in the world but is confident of claiming a top 20 spot when the new world rankings are announced in July.

New Zealand's Leilani Joyce is currently No 1, ahead of Auckland-based Australian Carol Owens and Australia's Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

Kitchen, who returns home today, is now gearing up for next month's grand prix meet, the Hong Kong Open.

"The top 16 players will be there as they have to go to grand prix events so it will give me a good indication as to how I am going." she said.

New Zealand's Lara Petera made it through to the semifinals of the Singapore Open and the quarter-finals in Malaysia.