India's Joshana Chinappa wins NSCI Open

Joshna Chinappa clinched the final 3-0

Joshana Chinappa (IND) beat Habiba Mohamed (EGY) to become the Women's NSCI Open champ in a 3-0 match. It wasn't an easy match for Chinappa. She took the first game smoothly, trading points with Mohamed throughout the first game but prevailing 11-8. Chinappa fell behind in the second, and at 1-3 Mohamed hit Chinappa in the face in the follow-through of a huge swing. Chinappa recovered from her bloody nose, and resumed play about 10 minutes later. Mohamed racked up a 6-2 lead while Chinappa found her legs again. But at 6-9, the gritty Chinappa started clawing her way back with a few lovely drops and took the game 11-9.

The third game saw a conduct warning for coaching to Mohamed at 1-2. After that, the play opened up as both players kept up the pressure. But three key unforced errors by Mohamed helped send the game and match to Chinappa 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 in 47 minutes

"It was good. I think I played well," Chinappa said after the match. "I was just thinking, 'I hope I don't have to not play' because I was in so much pain. But it only lasted about 10 minutes. Fortunately, I was quite warm and that helped me get back on court faster. It all worked out. The crowd was great. They really helped."