Kiwi duos tipped for double delight

New Zealand is one of the favourites ahead of the world doubles squash championships in England.

The Kiwi women and mixed doubles combination have both been ranked No 1 by the World Squash Federation for the Manchester tournament, from August 1-5.

Last year New Zealand won gold in women’s and mixed doubles and a bronze in men’s doubles.

Joelle King is bidding to become a double gold medallist for the second year.

King is paired with Amanda Landersmurphy again and they are predicted to

face the No 2 seeds from India, Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal, in a repeat of the 2016 final.

Paul Coll and King are also the favourites in the mixed doubles, while the second Kiwi pairing is Landersmurphy and Zac Miller.

Scotland’s Alan Clyne and Greg Lobhan won the men’s gold at the 2016 and are the top seeds.

They are expected to face secondseeded Australians Ryan Cuskelly and Cameron Pilley in the final while Coll and Campbell Graywon are the fourthranked team.

New Zealand coach Glen Wilson is happy with his players and expects them to come under pressure as one of the favourites for medals.

‘‘I’m confident in our preparation and performance. We’ve been performing well and consistently over the last year or so.

‘‘Doubles is still a very open event, but we’re confident of what we can do.’’

The world championships also have added value as they help decide the seedings towards next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.