Martin's Hungry For Fifth Open
Sun Herald
Sunday February 16, 1997
MICHELLE Martin has bounced back from a mystery form slump confident she can win her fifth straight British Open squash title in April.
In a bid to regain the No1 ranking she held for three years, Martin has enlisted the help of another former world champion, her brother Rodney.
Nambour, north of Brisbane, might be a long way from London, but a tournament there next weekend will provide an early guide to her form. Martin's main rival will be veteran Liz Irving, who upset her quest for a record fourth straight World Open title win in October.
"Liz played some of the best squash she has for some time," Martin said. "Taking nothing away from her, I do feel I had become complacent. I didn't have such a great year. I felt it was time to put a bit more bite back into my game."
Enter Rodney, who saw his sister lose in the quarter-finals.
Her regular coach, former high- profile player Lionel Robberds, is their uncle and a Sydney QC.
"The three of us talked about what needed to be done," Rod said. "Lionel has been tied up with court cases. Michelle was happy to come to Brisbane and work with me.
"She had lost a bit of control of her forehand, but most of all I wanted to get her confidence back. As her brother, I can tell her what she mightn't want to hear from others."
Three weeks into the rescue mission and Michelle concedes: "Rod pushes me on the court in ways someone else wouldn't. He has what it takes to be a good coach."
The brother and sister have always been close. Michelle was especially supportive in the aftermath of Rod's split with former wife and top player, Danielle Drady, who then married Martin's former manager, Phil Harte.
Michelle normally plays only one lead-up event to the British Open and more often than not gets beaten.
"I never play many tournaments at home," she said. "But I needed a change. Rod has helped me find enthusiasm and confidence again."
Winning the world crown back is doubly important for Martin. This year the title will be decided in her hometown of Sydney.
© 1997 Sun Herald
