New Zealand squash player Joelle King has made an early exit from the Cayman Islands Open.
She extended English tournament seed Jenny Duncalf to five sets in the first round today before the world No 2 persevered after 54 minutes on court.
Duncalf prevailed 11-7 2-11 11-3 9-11 11-3 as world No 14 King's elimination left New Zealand hopes in the hands of Jaclyn Hawkes for the $US68,500 ($NZ88,820) Women's International Squash Players' Association (Wispa) event in the Caribbean.
Hawkes has a major battle in front of her when she meets Malaysian world No 1 Nicol David in the first round tomorrow.
She also has other matters to consider after being appointed Wispa acting president.
Hawkes replaces American Natalie Grainger, who has stepped down after eight years in the job.
Hawkes, who is presently vice-president, will act as president until the Wispa board makes an official appointment.
"It has been and is a privilege to be a board member as well as the Wispa vice-president during Natalie's tenure," Hawkes, the world No 15, said.
"She has worked unbelievably hard for our organisation and her's will be very tough shoes to fill."
