Squash: Indians struggle with climatic conditions at World Games at Cali, Columbia

The 9th edition of the World Games, a multi-sport event was held in the Colombian city of Cali.

The World Games squash action featured 40 of the sport’s leading men and women athletes, representing 20 member nations. 3 Indians participated in the event.

Harinder Sandhu lost in the first round to Christopher Binnie (Jam) in three straight games. Harinder could not find his form and complained about the heat and altitude. The first and the second games could have gone in Harinder’s favour, but he could not finish the ball on the bouncy court.

It was the same story with Joshna Chinnappa who also struggled with the climatic conditions. None of her shots came in as she lost tamely to higher seeded Rachael Grinham (Aus).

Mahesh Mangaonkar had an easy match in his first round, beating Andras Torok (Hun) in three straight games.

In the second round he played splendidly against the local champion from Colombia, Miguel Rodriguez. He was aggressive and chose the right shots at right time but was unable to keep up the pace of the game.

Results

Round 1

Christopher Binne(Jam) beat Harinder Sandhu -12-10 , 11-8, 12-10

Rachael Grinham (Aus) beat Joshna Chinppa -11-6,11-6,11-3

Mahesh Mangoankar beat Andras Torok(Hun) 11-5,11-4,11-7

Round 2

Miguel Rodriguez (Col)beat Mahesh Mangoankar -11-9,11-7,11-4