Susan Devoy
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Susan Elizabeth Anne Devoy (born 1st January 1964) was a New Zealand squash player who dominated the sport in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She won the World Open on 4 occasions.
Playing Career
Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, Susan first played squash when she was 6 years old, and turned professional at the age of 17. Her first World Open title came in 1985, and followed that up in 1987. Further World Open titles came in 1990 and 1992. For most of her career, the World Open was held biannually, a fact that stopped Devoy was potentially doubling her tally. She did, however, win the coveted British Open 8 times, a record only beaten by Heather McKay in the 60s and 70s and Janet Morgan in the 1950s.
In 1992, the year of her unexpected retirement, she was the Australian, British, French, Hong Kong, Irish, New Zealand, Scottish, Swedish and World squash champion.
Achievements
In 1986 she was awarded the MBE, which was followed by a CBE in 1993. She is also noted for her charity work, being the New Zealand Patron on the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 1988 she walked the entire length of New Zealand, over seven weeks, and raised $500,000 for that charity. Other achievements include being named New Zealand Sports Person and Sports Woman in 1985.
In 1998, she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, the youngest New Zealander since Sir Edmund Hillary to receive such an award. In between her charity work she is also a professional speaker in motivation and inspiration.
World Open Squash Results
- 1985: Won (beat Lisa Opie 9-4, 9-5, 10-8)
- 1987: Won (beat Lisa Opie 9-3, 10-8, 9-2)
- 1989: runner-up (lost to Martine le Moignan 4-9, 9-4, 10-8, 10-8)
- 1990: Won (beat Martine Le Moignan 9-4, 9-4, 9-4)
- 1992: Won (beat Michelle Martin 9-4, 9-6, 9-4)