First taste of Masters adds silver to collection

She was a gold medallist at the 2006 World Squash Doubles Championships and won silver that year at the Commonwealth Games, and now Tamsyn Leevey has a Masters Games medal.

The Taumarunui-born 35-year-old competed at her first Masters on Wednesday with partner Peter Tai, taking home the silver in the division one doubles. It was something of a family affair as dad Ray won bronze in the same class with his partner Brian Knox.

"I started playing squash with Dad when I was just a kid, we used to play all the time but as I grew older we didn't get to play as much," she said.

"So it's really great to have him here today, it's just like old times."

She said friends had told her about the Masters and she had been very excited to take part.

"I've heard so much about it from a lot of people and I'm just loving it. Part of it is seeing the whole event, the experience, having heaps of fun and just watching others.

"To be honest coming here I had really high expectations, and it's turned out to be just as awesome as I hoped."

The Leeveys were part of a six-strong group from Wainuiomata and Waihi, all competing in the doubles. She had never played with Tai before in a competition, and it seemed her reputation had preceded them.

"Everyone's too scared to play the ball to her so they all pick on me," Tai said.

"But it's great to play with her, we're having heaps of fun. I'm a bit tired, though!"

Tamsyn and Tai beat 2011 bronze medallists Nihi Houia and Ken Mair in the round robin, and in another match father and daughter played against each other. There were big hits and high scores but after five close games the younger Leevey's team won.

Winding down yesterday at the Games Village Tamsyn Leevey said she'd definitely be back in 2015 to try and add to her silverware. "But I'm a bit sore this morning."

DIVISION 1 RESULTS:

Gold: Malcolm Peters, Anthony Rountree

Silver: Tamsyn Leevey and Peter Tai

Bronze: Brian Knox and Ray Leevey