SPORTS

India teams in semi-finals of Asian squash

Source:PTI
May 04, 2012 16:44 IST

India's men's and women's teams put up a dominant show to sail into the semi-finals of the Asian Team Squash Championships in Kuwait.

While the women's team registered a 2-0 victory over higher-ranked Malaysia to top the pool, the men's team blanked Japan 3-0.

Seeded third, it was always going to be an uphill task for the Indian women against second seeds Malaysia, especially after Joshna lost her first game against Delia Arnold.

But a disciplined Joshna turned things around quickly as she went on to clinch the second game before pocketing the third game convincingly.

She led 7-3 in the fourth game before Delia fought her way back and went ahead 10-9.

Joshna, however, held her nerve and came up with some powerful volleys and cross-court drops to win the game and match 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 12-10 (3-1).

In the next match, Anaka Alankmony beat Siti Munirah Josoh 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 (3-0). The Indian raced off to take 4-0 lead and never looked back.

India will face fifth seeds Korea in the semi-finals, while Malaysia plays top seeds Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, a steady performance by the Indian men ensured no hiccups against Japan.

World No 25 Saurav Ghosal brushed aside the challenge of Shinnosuke Tsukue, winning 11-3, 11-6, 11-5, while Siddharth Suchde (World No 45) prevailed over Yuta Fukui 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3 and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu (World No 92) beat Ryosei Kobayashi 11-1, 11-6.

India will take on against hosts Kuwait in the semi-finals.

Results:

Women
India bt Malaysia 2-0: Joshna Chinappa bt Delia Arnold 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 12-10 (3-1); Anaka Alankmony bt Siti Munirah Josoh 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 (3-0); Dipika Pallikal (match withdrawn) Lo Wee Wern.

Men
India bt Japan 3-0: Saurav Ghosal bt Shinnosuke Tsukue 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 (3-0); Siddharth Suchde bt Yuta Fukui 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3 (3-1); Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu bt Ryosei Kobayashi 11-1, 11-6 (2-0).

Source: PTI
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