Team USA came up short in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Team Championship at the hands of fourth-seeded Hong Kong Thursday afternoon at White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Two, three-game victories from world No. 23 Joey Chan against Olivia Blatchford, and world No. 9 Annie Au over Amanda Sobhy, clinched a spot in the semifinals for Hong Kong. The ensuing dead rubber No. 3 match between saw Natalie Grainger defeat Tsz Wing Tong in a best of three friendly match.
Despite defeat in the quarters, Team USA still has the opportunity to record its best Women’s World Team finish of fifth in the 5-8 playoff. Their opponent in the 5/8 playoff semifinal will be the loser of the England/Ireland quarterfinal Thursday night. Team USA’s first 5/8 match will be contested on the ASB GlassCourt at 11:00am ET.
In reaching the semifinals, Hong Kong have ensured their best World Team finish for women or men.
[4] Hong Kong bt [6] United States:
Joey Chan (HKG) bt Olivia Blatchford (USA) 11-6, 11-2, 11-7 (29m)
Annie Au (HKG) bt Amanda Sobhy (USA) 14-12, 11-6, 11-2 (30m)
Natalie Grainger (USA) bt Tsz Wing Tong 11-8, 11-5 (19m)
All live streams: http://www.sportscanada.tv/squashcanada/
For full tournament coverage, visit wsfwomensteams.com.
[jbutton size=”large” color=”blue” link=”https://www.ussquash.com/teamusa/2014-wsf-womens-world-team-championship/” newpage=”yes”]Team USA Women’s World Team Tournament Page[/jbutton]
