Wilcox and Khan territory's top duo
HONG Kong has a new squash queen in Philippines-born Harriet Wilcox, but unlike her male counterpart Faheem Khan, the left-hander has no ambition to promote her squash career.
Wilcox, who relies on a brace to support her left leg, stunned the crowd at the Hong Kong Squash Centre yesterday when she beat local favourite and defending champion Dawn Olsen in yesterday's Perrier Hong Kong Closed Championship final.
The 28-year-old rose to the big points and saved game balls in the first and third games to prevail 10-9, 1-9, 10-8, 9-6.
''The doctor said I was born with polio but I'm used to it and it does not affect my mobility,'' said Wilcox, who arrived five months ago and now works for a bank.
Despite the triumph over Olsen, a retired circuit player who was ranked 22nd in the world at the height of her professional career three years ago, Wilcox is happy being the number two in the Philippines team.
''I have no intention to become a full-time player and I don't aim to be the number one in the Philippines team. There is very little between Chris Bonoan and I, and I'm happy to be part of a good team, irrespective of who the number one is,'' said Wilcox.
''I didn't take up squash until I started working six years ago and I've never trained seriously. I enjoy the competition but I will only play when I have to spare time.'' Olsen had four game points in the opener but failed to capitalise on them and finally lost it 10-9 when she hit a service return into the tin.
''I was too uptight. I always feel nervous when I'm playing at home in Hong Kong, before my friends,'' said 27-year-old Olsen.
While Wilcox is happy being a part-timer, men's winner Khan aims to break into the world's top 20 within this year.
Khan, 24th on the Professional Squash Association chart, took less than 30 minutes in demolishing a hapless Peter Hill 9-2, 9-2, 9-4.
He said: ''It is an advantage being in the world's top 24 as I'll be given direct entry into the big tournaments, and I'll be making full use of this to break into the top 20.
