Commonwealth Games Squash Championships, Delhi, India
Women's semi-final line-up:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) v [6] Kasey Brown (AUS)
[2] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) v [3] Alison Waters (ENG)
Women's quarter-finals:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [5] Laura Massaro (ENG) 11-5, 11-3, 11-7 (29m)
[6] Kasey Brown (AUS) bt [4] Madeline Perry (NIR) 5-11, 6-11, 14-12, 11-9, 12-10 (84m)
[3] Alison Waters (ENG) bt [12] Joelle King (NZL) 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-2 (60m)
[2] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) bt [7] Jaclyn Hawkes (NZL) 11-8, 11-4, 12-10 (40m)
England can look forward to a minimum of two silver medals in the Commonwealth Games Squash Championships in Delhi after Jenny Duncalf and Alison Waters came through today's first two women's quarter-finals.
Waters, the third seed from London, was the first to put herself in medal contention for the first time after beating New Zealand's Joelle King, the 12th seed, 12-10, 9-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-2 in 60 minutes.
It was the world number four's second victory over the Kiwi this year - but clearly Waters had a tougher hurdle to overcome this time:
"I've only played Joelle once before - but I knew she'd be tough," said 26-year-old Water. "She hits the ball well and hard. When I changed things around and brought in a bit of variety, it all came together for me.
"I'm glad to get through - winning that last game like I did gives you confidence. Knowing I can play like that in the fifth gives me a boost. I've had more experience than Joelle, and I think that was the key in the fifth.
"It's exciting to be in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games - that's pretty cool! Not many people can say that they've competed in the Games.
"It would be great to play Jenny in the semis as at least one of would get a medal," added Waters.
Team-mate Duncalf then obliged, ending the hopes of another New Zealander by beating seventh seed Jaclyn Hawkes 11-8, 11-4, 12-10.
"I felt good out there today - it's always good to get through in three," said second seed Duncalf. "I maybe switched off slightly in the third - so I was pleased not to go to a fourth.
"You can't let up for one minute against these girls - you can't get complacent. As soon as you sit back for a couple of points, the momentum goes."
Asked if she was boosted by her team-mate's earlier win, Duncalf replied: "Yes, it's great to see your team-mates do well. There's a great togetherness about the squad - we all look out for each other.
"Ali and I are sharing tonight - so I might have to think of a few tricks!"
Underdog Hawkes admitted later she had been relaxed going into the game: "I had nothing to lose.
"Jenny's racket skills are so good. If you play a loose ball, you'll find yourself in trouble. She just played better than me today.
"If I'd managed to take the third, she might have tightened up a bit. Even though she can come back from losing a game, I felt I had it in me to take it to a fifth."
The 27-year-old from Auckland will now turn her attention to the Doubles: "I think our chances in the doubles are really good. We've got a real good shot to win."
