Joelle King completed one of the heaviest schedules of any Commonwealth Games athlete by teaming with Amanda Landers-Murphy to win the women’s squash doubles gold medal today.
King and Landers-Murphy beat defending champions Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik of India 11-9, 11-8 in 22 minutes. King can now add the doubles gold to the singles gold and mixed doubles bronzes she has won on the Gold Coast. It means that during her Commonwealth Games career, which stretches back to Delhi in 2010, King has won six medals.
King, ranked No 4 in the world, played 16 matches on the Gold Coast and was on court every day of the Games.
For King, the effects of all of her matches hasn't quite registered on her body yet.
“I'm actually feeling alright at the moment,” she said. “When you play such a big match
on such an occasion and come up on top it's easy to feel on top. I wanted three golds to be honest, but to win two golds and a bronze is pretty special.”
She had high praise for her left-handed partner, who showed a handy habit of hitting winners at vital times.
“Amanda’s the dark horse in the team, the quiet achiever. I'm just proud she has put in the effort and got us through. She carried me through the week. When I was flat she lifted me. I was in awe of her. We play our best when we are relaxed and aggressive.”
Landers-Murphy said she and King were excited about the prospects for today’s final
“At the time it doesn't really process, I guess. As Joey said, it’s a team effort. The only way I can play those shots is because of the pressure she puts on other people.”
King will now fly to Egypt for the big Super Series El Gouna PSA tournament, along with team-mate Coll.
Gold Coast 2018 Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games Paul Coll Amanda Landers-Murphy Joelle King Squash
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