Squash: Landers-Murphy claims Queensland tourney title

Amanda Landers-Murphy's Australian victory bodes well for the rest of the year. Photo/Thinkstock

Rotorua squash player Amanda Landers-Murphy has already had international success this year after winning a tournament in Queensland.

Landers-Murphy, from Ti St Squash Centre and Waikite Valley Squash Club, and Paul Coll from Christchurch have claimed the Australia Day Challenge titles. Landers-Murphy was made to work to earn her title ahead of fourth seed Tong Tsz-Wing from Hong Kong.

The two players fought hard for the opening two games to be all square at 1-all, before Landers-Murphy claimed the decisive third.

The second-seeded Kiwi then proved too good in the fourth as she completed an 11-5, 8-11, 12-10, 11-5 victory.

Landers-Murphy, who trains under coach Danny McQueen with support from Profiles Gym, has made it a great start to her year, said McQueen.

She worked incredibly hard over the summer months on her fitness and court craft, he said, and was inspired by the results of the New Zealand Junior Team who recently returned home with six Oceania titles under their belts.

Landers-Murphy hopes to compete in the Women's Worlds in Penang in May, and is in the New Zealand doubles squash team competing at the Commonwealth Games at the end of July.