Kiwis Crushed In Maryland Semis

Australian Ryan Cuskelly and Canadian Shahier Razik dashed hopes of an all-New Zealand National Capital Open final by prevailing over Kiwis Martin Knight and Campbell Grayson, respectively, in the semi-finals of the $16,875 PSA Tour squash event in its third year at Bethesda Sport & Health Club in Bethesda in the US state of Maryland.

Sixth seed Cuskelly maintained his tremendous run through the event by despatching an in-form Martin Knight, the third seed, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 in 57 minutes.

The 22-year-old from New South Wales will now face - for the first time - second seed Shahier Razik, the defending champion from Toronto who battled for 71 minutes to overcome fourth seed Campbell Grayson 11-3, 11-13, 11-5, 11-3.

Cuskelly is celebrating his 10th appearance in a PSA Tour final, while 32-year-old Razik is marking his 33rd since 1999.

Semi-finals:
[6] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt [3] Martin Knight (NZL) 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 (57m)
[2] Shahier Razik (CAN) bt [4] Campbell Grayson (NZL) 11-3, 11-13, 11-5, 11-3 (71m)