Squash: Jackman poised for Devoy

SUSAN DEVOY'S final match in one of the most successful squash careers of all time will probably be against the world junior champion, Cassie Jackman, after England's defence of their title in the women's world championships carried them into the semi-finals here yesterday.

Devoy, the eight-times British Open champion from New Zealand, needed to come from two games down to beat the world No 6, Heather Wallace, as the Kiwis defeated Canada 3-0.

There were no such difficulties for the English as they overcame Scotland by the same score. Given that the Scots were without Emma Donaldson after their two-day argument with officialdom, the rapid capitulation was not surprising. Donaldson had been taken ill during the struggles to have her win over Ellie Pierce, and Scotland's

2-1 victory over the United States, reinstated after disputed refereeing and appeal decisions.

Donaldson, the British Under- 19 Open finalist, was replaced by Wendy Maitland, the British national Under-16 champion. It was far from an ideal situation for the youngster to earn her second full cap and she gathered only four points against Sue Wright, the British national champion.

Jackman allowed Alison Bowie, the former Scottish champion, just seven points and may enjoy another tilt against Devoy, having been the only woman to take a game from her in the World Open last week. The Kiwis are the underdogs against the English, so today's semi-final should be goodbye to a great.