King Cruises Into Dayton Semis

Fast-rising New Zealand star Joelle King secured a surprise place in the semi-finals of the Women's EBS Dayton Open when she cruised to a straight games upset over fourth-seeded Dane Line Hansen in the quarter-finals of the $21,350 WISPA World Tour squash event at Dayton Squash Centre in Dayton in the US state of Ohio.

"Despite the seeding difference, Joelle seemed to be the player with the most control," said tournament organiser Charlie Johnson after King's 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 victory in 34 minutes.

"She hit shots with more definition and put constant pressure on Line. There were long rallies where each girl tried to overpower the other (hence the 34-minute match with a fairly routine score), but in the end, power with control beats power every time!"

The 21-year-old world No30 will now face Kasey Brown, the top seed from Australia - ranked 18 places higher - who beat sixth seed Alana Miller 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 13-11.

"Kasey was challenged by the Canadian in a 55-minute match that was easily the crowd favourite of the night," explained Johnson. "Alana has played in all four WISPA events held as part of the EBS Dayton Open and has won the hearts of local squash fans.

"She played well, fought hard, won game two using her stature to cut balls off and stay on the T and out front, but ultimately lost on a heartbreaking great shot from Kasey who was up 12-11 in the fourth game with match ball. Both players were gracious and thanked the spirited crowd for their support."

US teenager Olivia Blatchford - who came through the first round at the expense of injured second-seeded compatriot Latasha Khan - took full advantage of her surprise quarter-final place by upsetting Canada's eighth seed Miranda Ranieri 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 to earn a place in the last four.

The 17-year-old from New York, ranked 70 in the world, will now face England's world No28 Sarah Kippax, the No3 seed from Cheshire who despatched Australian Lisa Camilleri 11-5, 11-1, 11-9 in just 28 minutes.

Quarter-finals:
[1] Kasey Brown (AUS) bt [6] Alana Miller (CAN) 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 13-11 (55m)
[5] Joelle King (NZL) bt [4] Line Hansen (DEN) 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 (34m)
[3] Sarah Kippax (ENG) bt [7] Lisa Camilleri (AUS) 11-5, 11-1, 11-9 (28m)
[Q] Olivia Blatchford (USA) bt [8] Miranda Ranieri (CAN) 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 (31m)