King Withdraws from NZ Open due to injury

Eight-time Commonwealth Games medallist Joelle King has withdrawn from The Barfoot and Thompson Women’s NZ Open, due to injury.

King, who won the NZ Open in 2022, has been struggling with a back injury for the last six weeks and says she needs more time to recover.

“I’m absolutely gutted, the NZ Open is one of the highlights of my year,” said King.

“I really wanted to be able to play in front of this home crowd but unfortunately my body just isn’t up to it right now.”

The NZ Open is being played as part of the NZ Festival of Squash and begins on December 5th.

King says she’ll still be in attendance, cheering on her teammates and friends, and potentially doing some guest commentary.

“The whole festival of squash is such a great event, so I’ll be spending as much time as possible down at the courts. I do really wish I was playing but it will be nice to watch and just be able to soak up what’s going to be a great atmosphere.”