Squash: Kiwi falls to world No 1

New Zealand squash player Joelle King came close to inflicting a rare defeat on world No 1 Nicol David at the US$50,000 Cleveland Classic in the US today.

King, who had earlier won through qualifying to earn a spot in the main draw, was eventually beaten 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 8-11, 11-7 in 63 minutes.

Fellow Kiwi Jaclyn Hawkes, who had also come through qualifying, was beaten by fourth seed Madeline Perry 11-7, 11-9, 11-6 in 35 minutes.