Dipika Pallikal makes main draw of top squash event

Brooklyn (New York) - India’s Dipika Pallikal overcame a spirited challenge from Latasha Khan of the US to make the main draw of the World Squash Associations’ Carol Weymuller Open Gold 50 tournament here.

The World No.15 got past the 28th-ranked American 12-10, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4 in her second and final qualifying match at the Heights Casino squash courts here Wednesday.

Dipika will play against World No.4 Jenny Duncalf of England in the first round of the $50,000 event. The main draw comprises 16 players, including world’s top five.

The 21-year-old Indian said she was glad to qualify.

“I am relieved to get through. Latasha is an experienced player and she took full advantage of it when I started going short in the third game. In the fourth, I hit more straight and less cross-courts which made a big difference,” said Dipika, whose last win over the 39-year-old came after a gruelling five-setter.