2010 WUC Squash Update: Day 2 of Competitions

MELBOURNE – Day two of the World University Squash Championships yesterday July 11th, saw the Aussies back in action with the commencement of quarter finals. The Monash University squash stadium was a hive of activity and noise as players from eleven different countries battled it out on the courts whilst supporters watched enthusiastically in the stands.

Amongst those adding to the day’s excitement was Australian Melody Francis. After a trouble free victory in the first round, she yesterday took on Hong Kong, China’s Shin Nga Leung. The 21 year old Australian, who is currently ranked 55th in the world, has had a busy lead up to the championships. She has made the quarter finals of the Victorian Open and Tasmanian Open in the past two weeks. With a home town advantage, Francis is hoping to better her results from the 2008 World University Squash Championships in Cairo, where she finished 12th. “It’s great to have this level of competition in Melbourne,” she said. “I’m just trying to go out and play my best and keep my fingers crossed for good results.”

Fellow Australian representative Selena Shaikh was today making the most of a bye to soak in some of the fast paced action. The 17 year old Monash University student is one of the youngest players in the competition, but is unfazed by the greater experience of her rivals. Having lost in yesterday’s first round, she will now contend the plate draw, and is optimistic about her chances. “I’m feeling confident about tomorrow’s game and I think I can do it if I go all out. I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

Both Shaikh and Francis said that they were proud and excited to be representing Australia over the coming week. “It’s always an honour to wear the green and gold tracksuit,” said Francis.

(Source: Sarah Wordsworth, AUS Marketing and Media Coordinator)

NEWSLETTER

Newsletter N°2

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