Squash: Kiwis qualify for Cleveland Classic

New Zealand squash players Joelle King and Jaclyn Hawkes have qualified for the US$50,000 Cleveland Classic but their task in the main draw will be difficult.

After beating American Latasha Khan in five games, King who is ranked 11th, then defeated Delia Arnold of Malaysia in straight games 11-7 11-6 11-6. She has now set up a clash with world No 1 Nicol David of Malaysia in the first round of the main draw.

Hawkes won two tough games to qualify, beating Canadian Samantha Cornett in four, and Emma Beddoes of England 2-11 11-7 11-8 15-13. Hawkes now faces fourth-seeded Irish woman Madeline Perry.