N.Z. in semi-finals of world squash titles

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 42

N.Z. in semi-finals of world squash titles

NZPA staff correspondent Hong Kong New Zealand's junior men's squash players have reached the semi-finals of the world team championships in Singapore after wins over Thailand and Singapore.

But the outcome of their match early today (N.Z. time) against -Wales will determine which semi-final pool they contest. The manager. Neville Munro, said in a telephone interview yesterday that victory over the Welshmen meant the New Zealanders were likely to find themselves in the same pool as the favourite. Pakistan. Scotland and Ireland

Defeat would mean playoffs against Australia. England and Sweden — assuming there were no form reversals in the final round of

preliminary matches.

The New Zealanders, seeded fourth, were expected to beat the Welsh side, but Mr Munro said it was not likely to be an easy match. For the first time in the teams competition. New Zealand will field its top line-up of. in order. Danny McQueen. Hugh Leabourn and Mark Crosbie.

Crosbie was spelled against Thailand and Leabourn against Singapore to allow the team's fourthranked player. Robert Wyatt, to play.

Mr Munro said that although victory against Wales meant the New Zealanders would have to face the favourite. Pakistan, in the semifinals, a loss would see the team in a grouping which seemed much more competitive all round, with Australia

and England both highly rated.

The highlight, of yesterday's match against Singapore was the long battle between New Zealand's 17-year-old Danny McQueen and Singapore's No. 1. Peter Hill.

After a gruelling 45-minute battle. McQueen lost to Hill. 9-3. 2-9. 3-9. 9-5. 4-9'. It was a well-deserved win for the Singapore star who beat McQueen in a thrilling match in the individual championships in Kuala Lumpur last week. But in the other games Wyatt beat Anthony Tan. 9-1. 9-0. 9-0. and Mark Crosbie beat Wong Yee Leong. 9-2, 9-2. 9-2.

The top teams from the two semi-final pools will meet in Sunday's final Tomorrow is a rest day