Tough battle in squash titles

Press, 12 October 1985, Page 8

Tough battle in squash titles

PA Auckland An Australian, Chris Robertson, although beaten by the world No. 3, Ross Norman, provided the real interest of the quarter-finals of the New Zealand squash Open at Henderson Club last evening. Norman described Robertson as “pretty adventurous, pretty quick and pretty fit,” after their 70-minute match. Those qualities were certainly displayed in their eventful contest, even if the fourth game became lopsided with Norman well in control Robertson, holder of the world junior title, went to a 7-3 lead before Nonnan recovered to take the opening game. The stirring pace was maintained in the second game with both men displaying superb reflexes as they often volleyed close to the front wall Robertson won this game, 10-9, and was still a contender in the third before Norman prevailed, 9-7, and then took the final match with much more ease. Other results were predictable in the Honda City-spon-sored tournament. Tpday Norman will meet Martin Bodimeade (England)

in the top half of the men’s draw. Ross Thorne (Australia) easily the master of the young New Zealander, Stephen Cunningham, and the New Zealand international, Stuart Davenport, will meet in, the other semi-final ->

The world women’s champion, Susan Devoy, will play her fellow New Zealander, Robyn Blackwood, in one semifinal, while England’s Lisa Opie and Lucy Soutter could provide an intriguing clash in the button) half. Opie has won their last two matches.