SQUASH - IT WILL BE TOUGH IN THE SEMIS, SAYS SARAH FITZ-GERALD

SQUASH - IT WILL BE TOUGH IN THE SEMIS, SAYS SARAH FITZ-GERALD

By Zaiful Mohd Ariffin

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- World number one Sarah Fitz-Gerald of Australia expects a tough semifinal clash against Cassie Jackman of England at the National Squash Complex here tomorrow.

The top seed, who booked a place in the semis after beating fifth seed Suzanne Horner of England 9-3, 9-1, 9-4 today, regarded Jackman as a tough fighter.

"Cassie (Jackman) is a good player. She always gives me a hard time on the court," said Fitz-Gerald after her quarterfinal match. Jackman had beaten Fitz-Gerald 3-0 in the Seattle Open in the United States in June this year and the victory could prove to be a psychological edge for the English player.

"The victory might give her a slight advantage in our match, but I am ready to take her on," said the 31-year-old Australian. The 1996 and 1997 world champion said Jackman had played well in her quarterfinal match against Carol Owens of Australia.

"Both of us got through our matches comfortably. Although she made several mistakes in the first game of her match, she managed to correct her flaws in the remaining games," Fitz-Gerald added.

Fitz-Gerald said today's match was important to win as it would give her a chance to get at least a bronze medal in the individual event. "Suzanne (Horner) played very well. She made me run all over the court, but luckily all my shots were accurate and that rattled her," she said.

-- BERNAMA