World Junior Women's Squash Championship: Anaka Alankamony and Aparajitha Balamurukan of India In Semi's

The day started off with a tense battle between third and fourth seeds India and England, and although the English had their chances it was India who won 2-0.

India took the lead in the opening quarter-final as Asian Junior Champion Anaka Alankamony beat European Junior Champion & Individual semi finalist Emily Whitlock. Anaka seemed to have the answer to everything Whitlock could throw at her, and essentially outplayed her for two and a half games to lead 6/2 in the third. Whitlock then got a measure of control for the first time with a run of four points to level, and with the Indian showing signs of nerves a game was pulled back.

Anaka’s assured play was back in the fourth though, again she looked in command as she went 9/4 ahead. Again Emily fought back, to 9/8. A boast into the tin after a long rally brought up match ball. One was saved with a drop, but then with the court at her mercy and her opponent stranded at the back Emily tinned her volley and India had the lead.

It looked as though Victoria Temple-Murray would pull one back for England when she established a two-game lead, but Aparajitha Balamurukan fought back superbly, saving a solitary match-ball at 9-10 in the fourth before racing away with the fifth to delight the Indian bench and supporters.

INDIA 2-0 ENGLANDAnaka Alankamony 3-1 Emily Whitlock 11/7, 11/5, 9/11, 11/9 (39m)Aparajitha Balamurukan 3-2 Victoria Temple-Murray 7/11, 6/11, 11/8, 12/10, 11/4 (44m)Saumya Karki v Katie Smith (dead rubber)

India play 2nd seed USA tomorrow at 1630hrs in the semi final. Egypt plays Hong Kong in the other semi final.