'Crafty fox' still devouring squash victims at 80

Don't let Greta Anema's age deceive you. She may be 80 but she can still volley with the best of them on the squash court.

"She is not to be underestimated. Don't let the sweet granny look fool you," says fellow squash player and Geyser City Squash Club member Kate Hudson.

Mrs Hudson's 12-year-old son, Jack, recently played a game of squash against Mrs Anema and after he was beaten by her, his first comment to his mother was "I can't believe I just got beat by a nice old granny".

Club members have labelled her the "crafty fox at business house".

Mrs Anema, who emigrated to New Zealand 50 years ago from the Netherlands, started playing squash 30 years ago at the Rotorua Lakes High School squash club.

"It was a new club and my neighbour asked me if I wanted to join the club."

She used to play in a lot of tournaments but now sticks to business house squash once a week.

She has met a lot of people and made a number of friends. Asked what she enjoys most about playing squash it's "beating everybody" as well as the red wine after the game. The winner has to buy the other a drink after the game.

Mrs Anema says she doesn't get tired on the court.

"I'm surprised for my age I still play reasonably well for my level."

She intends to continue gracing the Geyser City Squash Club courts "as long as I enjoy it and they want me".

Mrs Anema also plays tennis three to four days a week and heads along to Profiles Gym almost every day.

"I like to be active ... I'm very fit otherwise I couldn't play squash."

At the gym she does Body Attack and Combat classes and lifts weights.

Squash player Rob Stevenson was so impressed by Mrs Anema's talent on the court that he contacted The Daily Post.

"I have been fortunate not to have played her yet. I'm worried that I would get my [butt] kicked. She is a very cunning player," Mr Stevenson said.

She may not have the speed but she has "court awareness".

"She anticipates the shots," he said.

"She is such an inspiration for someone her age ... I hope I'm like her when I'm her age."