Kitchen & Ricketts Announce Imminent Arrival

If pedigree counts for anything, another world squash star could well be on the way.

The New Zealand squash fraternity is buzzing with news that Shelley Kitchen and her long time partner, former world number three Anthony Ricketts, are expecting their first child next year. Shelley made the announcement at the conclusion of the just completed A1 Homes New Zealand Open at Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mt Maunganui.

The world number 10 confirmed she is 13 and a half weeks pregnant, which makes it all the more remarkable that she made it through to the semi-finals of the WISPA World Tour Gold star event at Bayfair.

The 29-year-old has understandably withdrawn from this week's New Zealand Nationals in Palmerston North. She will now take time out from the game until after the birth but hopes to be back for next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Squash New Zealand CEO Mike Thompson says Kitchen and Ricketts are a popular couple on the squash scene, and news of Shelley's pregnancy has been warmly welcomed. "Everyone is now looking forward to the arrival of the newest member of the squash family next year."