Opie numb after losing match

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 48

Opie numb after losing match

PA Auckland England’s Lisa Opie was numb after conceding the World Women’s Open Squash title to the New Zealander, Susan Devoy, for the second time in two years. “It’s a strange feeling, hard to explain,” said the 24 year old. “I’ll just have to get back in there and start all over.” Her, 3-9, 8-10, 2-9, loss to Devoy in Tuesday evening’s Honda women’s final at the Auckland Y.M.C.A. was virtually a repeat of the 1985 final tn Ireland' where Devoy beat Opie in three games.

In Tuesday’s night’s match Opie simply could not match Devoy’s ferocity, her elusive shots and on-court hunger for victory. Opie wrecked her only chance of coming back into the match in the second game where she led throughout and gave away the game ball three times. ' “I’m just so disap-' pointed I didn’t win that game,” said Opie. "It could have made all the difference. “I wasn’t pleased with my game, I was undisciplined. I thought I had the f discipline in the second

game but didn’t keep it up.” Opie’s torrid 1U hour semi-final battle with Australian Vicki Cardwell was partly responsible for her sluggish form against Devoy, who progressed easily through the preliminary rounds. “Because I was a little bit tired, I was going for shots too early and getting h little behind. " “In every single big tournament I have played in I’ve always had a tough semi and gone into a final feeling tired. “Susan seems to sail through and when you’re tired . and up against

someone like that, it’s difficult” But Opie does not think Devoy is unbeatable. “I’m sure she’ll lose sometime, but she’s very strong at the moment Every year everybody says she’ll lose but she’s . tough and rises to the occasion. But some time someone will do it.” Opie’s next aim .is to. win the British closed tournament in November. ; The New . Zealander, Joanne Williams, was the only player to win a game off Devoy at this indivi-; dual championship in the’ fourth round. She lost 9-6, 5-9, 4-9. >