Susan courting off-court 1985

An off-court romance is helping New Zealand’s world No.1 squash player, Susan Devoy, to achieve peak on-court results at the right time.

Devoy, 21, has had a Kiwi boyfriend at her side during a triumphant march to five major European titles in five weeks.

Reports suggest it is a more confident and relaxed Miss Devoy now preparing to defend the prestigious British Open crown she won in dramatic fashion last year.

Mrs Tui Devoy confirmed the romance, saying: “Id love to know who let the cat out of the bag. Susan didn’t want it to be seen out of context.” She said of her boyfriend John Oakley; “He’s a terrific guy.”

The pair met two years ago while playing on the New Zealand circuit.

Mrs Devoy believed Mr Oakley had gone to England largely to pursue his business interests and was unlikely to continue to follow Miss Devoy on the circuit, but she said it meant a great deal to her daughter to be able to relax with someone away from the demanding squash scene.

As the lone New Zealand woman player Miss Devoy had fought a continuous battle with loneliness and homesickness and faced “awful mental pressure” from other women seeking to knock her from her NO. 1 ranking.

“Susan’s dream has always been to meet the right guy and settle down. When she makes up her mind squash will come second.”

“She’s so dedicated to squash now and she is still very young. She has the whole world ahead of her.” Mrs. Devoy said.

Canterbury’s fourth-ranked player, Mr. Oakley is the brother-in-law of leading player Paul Viggers.