Leilani to # 1 ! ... Cassie reportedly to have surgery ... ! Fitz-Gerald back in top five !

11.1.00 by Ron Beck, Concord MA

CASSIE DROPS OUT OF WORLD OPEN AND OUT OF #1 POSITION

Cassie Campion has dropped a bombshell on the women's squash world by revealing she has pulled out of the Women's World Open and therefore won't defend her title in Edinburgh later this month.

Cassie's "dead leg" problem first surfaced at the British Open when she fell to an inspired Vanessa Atkinson. Campion now apparently has been diagnosed with a condition that may possibly require surgery - unconfirmed reports sugest back surgery.

Simultaneously, the newest world rankings show Campion dropping precipitously to #4, while Leilani Joyce achieve her goal of being the first New Zelander at the #1 position since the legendary Susan Devoy.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing month for the USA players, with all the USA players losing positions, Latasha Khan remains the top ranked American at #20.

Women's World Rankings:

WISPA TOP 20 Nov 1 2000:

1. Leilani Joyce, New Zealand
2. Carol Owens, Australia
3. Linda Charman, England
4. Cassie Campion, England
5. Sarah Fitz-Gerald, Australia
6. Tania Bailey, England
7. Natalie Grainger, England
8. Suzanne Horner, England
9. Rachael Grinham, Australia
10. Fiona Geaves, England
11. Sue Wright, England
12. Vanessa Atkinson, Holland

[view the top 100]

also...

20. Latasha Khan (USA)
29. Nicol David (Malaysia)
33. Shabana Khan (USA)
59. Ivy Pochoda (USA)

Leilani Joyce (now #1) against Natalie Grainer (dropped to #7) photo © 2000, SquashTalk, Ron Beck

Tania Bailey (in rear) moves up to #6, Sabine Schoene (in front) moves down to #14, out of the top 10. Photo © 2000, SquashTalk

Carol Owens - now #2 photo © 2000,Stephen Line

Ellen Peterson - moves up to a personal best #24. photo © 2000, SquashTalk, Ron Beck