Mixed day for Indian eves in squash championship

Joshna Chinnappa

Niagara (Canada), Dec 4 (IANS) India had mixed fortunes in WSF World Women's Team Squash Championship being held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, beating Austria 3-0 but narrowly going down to South Africa 1-2. India finished the league phase at the fourth position in Group D Wednesday. India's sole win secured them a place in the 9-16 play off. The loss against South Africa meant India will play Canada, presumably a tougher opponent, in the cross-over match as opposed to Mexico.

Nonetheless, there was some cheer in the Indian camp when the country notched up their first win in a convincing fashion. Joshna Chinnappa started the happy tidings with a quick win over Birgit Coufal.

Anaka Alankamony then came on to quickly dispose of Jacqueline Peychar in 20 minutes to win the tie. In the dead rubber match, Harshit Kaur Jawanda impressed with the lobs and high drives to bet Ania Kaserer to complete a complete sweep.

Joshna remained at her best again in the next match against South Africa. She defeated Siyoli Waters in straight games displaying a calm and composed attitude.

Anaka, however, could not sustain the pressure despite showing good aggression to start with against Milnay Louw.

With the scores tied at 1-1, a lot depended on Sachika Ingale. The National runner-up played her heart out against Cheyna Tucker, traded four games, before losing a tight fifth game that secured South Africa the match.

The results:

India beat Austria 3-0: Joshana Chinappa bt Birgit Coufal 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (31mins);

Anaka Alankamony bt Jacqueline Peychar 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (20m); Harshit Kaur Jawanda bt Anja Kaserer 11-5, 11-2, 11-5 (18m).

South Africa beat India 2-1: Siyoli Waters lost to Joshana Chinappa 4-11, 4-11, 7-11 (24m); Milnay Louw bt Anaka Alankamony 11-2, 11-7, 11-8 (22m); Cheyna Tucker bt Sachika Ingale 11-5, 11-7, 4-11, 7-11, 11-6 (38m).