Chennai: Indian team had mixed luck on Thursday in the WSF world women’s team squash championship at Niagara-on- the-lake in Canada as India first beat Austria 3-0 but later narrowly went down to South Africa 1-2.
As the league stage ended, India finished fourth in Group D. The one win helped India to find a place in the 9-16 play off. The loss against South Africa meant, India will play a tougher Canada in the cross over match as opposed to Mexico. Joshna started the happy tidings with a quick regain of form after starting on an uncertain note against Coufal. Steady drives and effective deception were the high points of Joshna’s comeback effort.
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 make it a complete sweep. Joshna remained at her best again in the next match against South Africa. She defeated Siyoli Waters in straight games showing a calm and composed attitude.
With 1-1 as the tie score everything depended on Sachika Ingale. The national runner up played against Cheyna Tucker, traded four games. (UNI)
