After Anaka Alankamony set the tone, Joshna Chinappa held on to carve a brilliant win and give India a 3-2 verdict over the higher seeded The Netherlands for a maiden entry into the quarterfinals of the 2012 women’s World team squash championship at Nimes, France.
Outstanding show
It was an outstanding show by the Indians on Wednesday with grit coming to the fore, none personifying it more than Joshna. In what was the clinching third match in the tie, Joshna and Orla Noom traded two games each before the Indian showed her staying power and ability to tune her game to a nicety. Joshna won 5-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-2, 11-3 to stretch the good work of the team that started with a win over Ireland and later over Argentina in the pool stage.
It was Anaka who put India on course when she defeated Milou Heijden in straight games 11-8, 11-6, 11-5. But the experienced Natalie Grinham restored parity for The Netherlands by beating Dipika Pallikal 11-8, 11-4, 11-3. Joshna’s big moment came next.
Major upset
Earlier 10th seed India created a major upset late on day one in Pool ‘G’ when it beat No. 7 seed Ireland 2-1 and reversing the result of the same pool clash two years ago.
Dipika paved the way for the grand win by defeating World No. 10 Madeline Perry. After Joshna fell to Aisling Blake, Anaka ensured India did not slip by setting aside Laura Mylotte’s challenge 12-10, 11-3, 11-7. This was followed by another good win, this time over Argentina (3-0) to help India top the pool and earn entry into the round of 16.
