Campion seemed almost over-confident coming into the match, and she started faltering as Joyce hung tough. (Photo Ron Beck © 1999)
-- Ron Beck reporting © 1999 SquashTalk.com
Leilani Joyce achieves a lifelong ambition - a likeable champion. Cassie Campion was confident coming into Saturday's final of the British Open. She had World Open and US Open championships under her belt - both wins over the now-retired Michelle Martin. And she had the media attention. She had coaching (UK's David Pearson) in her corner, and a lot of local supporters.
Leilani Joyce on the other hand, had traveled half way around the world alone, and had recruited second round loser Sarah Fitz-Gerald to coach her through the tournament.
Leilani had not been fully tested throughout the tournament. All of her wins had been quick so she hadn't spent the time on-court to really get into a tournament groove. When she went out to a 3-0 lead in the first game off of three well played points and errors by Campion, her confidence grew and Campion grew nervous.
As the match went onward, Joyce seemed to grow in stature on the court. Her lanky frame let her create many volley opportunities, allowing her to drive Campion consistently into the back corners. Joyce's court coverage improved as the contest grew older, while Campion seemed to tire slightly, moving more tentatively to the front.
Joyce gained the momentum after a see-saw second game and two drives that nicked in the back wall cemented her momentum. When Joyce took a 2-1 game lead and an 8-7 lead in the fourth, the crowd felt she deserved the win and rooted her on to her dramatic 10-8 win of the fourth game and the championship.
Leilani Joyce was excited and emotional moments after her big win.
In a press conference afterwards, Joyce gave credit to her parents. She revealed that her father had shown her a video of Susan Devoy when she was ten, telling her she could be world champion. Leilani gave a glimse of her emotional ride through squash, telling us she had gone through some low points, but felt that 1997 was a breakthrough year for her. In that year, Unsquashable had decided to sponsor her tournament play, and she started to rise through the rankings.
Now she has reached the pinnacle and she is a delightful and refreshing personality and champion.
Leilani Joyce was excited, delightful, engaging, and emotional as she talked about her big victory. (photo © 1999 SquashTalk)
Leilani had great court presence in Aberdeen. In the end, Cassie Campion succombed to Joyce's mental resolve. Joyce credited Sarah Fitz-Gerald's coaching for her great result. (photo © 1999 SquashTalk)
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