Tasman rivals select Irving

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 96

Tasman rivals select Irving

NZPA-AAP Brisbane Australia’s worldranked Liz Irving has been selected by two countries for next year’s women’s world squash championships in the Netherlands. Australia and New Zealand both want the world’s No 3 to be part of their team challenge next March but Irving may turn down both invitations to concentrate on individual honours. The Queensland squash star, eligible to play for New Zealand, has already told Kiwi officials she could not bring herself to play against Australia, despite bitter memories of being dumped from the Australian team last year. Australia has since changed its selectors. Irving played only one tournament in Australia this year, preferring to base herself in New Zealand. Before returning to Australia this week she told New Zealand selectors she was willing to be part of their training squad but could not see herself playing for the Kiwis in The Netherlands. “It was a bit of a shock when they picked me,” said Irving whose dual passport, Kiwi husband and extended stays make her eligible to play for New Zealand.

“Two selectors approached me in Wellington while I was visiting family friends and just hit me with the idea.” An Australian selector and Women’s International Squash Players’ Association (W.1.5.P.A.) chairperson, Carin Clonda, confirmed a letter of invitation was on its way to Irving for her to join Australia’s training squad. “At this stage I may not accept either offer,” said Irving, rebuilding her health following a heavy overseas programme last year which has left her badly run down and out of form. Irving’s final decision could come down to the treatment handed out to her last year. “How much does it mean to play for your country when they can drop you cold without a reason ?” she said. Ms Clonda, not a selector when Irving was overlooked last year, said she hoped selection politics were a “thing of the past.” “Liz wasn’t picked last year because of politics,” she said. “We have to get away from that type of thing. We have to set out clearer guidelines for our players so they know what is expected of them.”