Australia squash team exit title race

The Australian women's squash team have failed to make it out of their pool at the world championships in China after losing to Canada.

Australia's bid to win the squash women's world teams' championships in China has ended before the knockout stage.

The ninth-seeded Australian trio of Donna Lobban, Christine Nunn and Sarah Cardwell had to beat Canada to stay alive in Dalian but they were unable to claim the second qualifying spot in pool A behind leaders Egypt.

Canada, the tournament's eighth seed, advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory after world No.14 Lobban opened the tie in style with a 11-9 11-8 11-6 triumph over Samantha Cornett.

Hollie Naughton levelled the contest with a 11-7 11-7 11-9 win over Cardwell then Danielle Letourneau claimed the decider over Nunn 11-8 5-11 11-8 13-11 in a match that spanned 47 minutes.

Australia now contest the minor placings in the 16-nation competition, meaning the team's other member, 17-year-old Alex Haydon, will have an opportunity to make her senior debut.