Pallikal powers into Texas Open quarters

Indian squash star Dipika Pallikal survived some anxious moments before beating Australian qualifier Donna Urquhart in the opening round of the $50,000 Texas Open in Houston.

Pallikal, who has not had the best of starts to 2014, took 36 minutes to get past her 26th-ranked opponent 12—10, 11—8, 11—5 on Thursday. The Chennai girl saved five game balls in the first game.

The 22-year-old plays World No.19 Nicolette Fernandes in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Guyanese upset fifth seed Annie Au of Hong Kong 12—10, 10—12, 11—5, 8—11, 11—8.

“I think I played well today so would not like to change much for the quarterfinal. I played Nicolette about three years ago. She has improved a lot since then. I am expecting a tough match,” Pallikal told

PTI , recollecting her 3—2 win over the Guyanese.

Joshna Chinappa, the other Indian in the main draw, however, lost her opener. The World No.21 went down to 16th-ranked Rachael Grinham of Australia 7—11, 5—11, 5—11.

First round results: [2] Madeline Perry (IRL) bt [Q] Joey Chan (HKG) 7—11, 11—4, 11—6, 12—10 (38m); [Q] Emma Beddoes (ENG) bt [6] Kasey Brown (AUS) 11—4, 11—5, 4—11, 11—8 (42m); [4] Dipika Pallikal (IND) bt [Q] Donna Urquhart (AUS) 12—10, 11—8, 11—5 (36m); Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) bt [5] Annie Au (HKG) 12—10, 10—12, 11—5, 8—11, 11—8 (65m); [8] Rachael Grinham (AUS) bt Joshana Chinappa (IND) 11—7, 11—5, 11—5 (24m); [3] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Amanda Sobhy (USA) 10—12, 11—6, 11—4, 11—8 (40m); [Q] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [7] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 11—4, 11—4, 12—10 (29m); [1] Low Wee Wern (MAS) bt Sarah—Jane Perry (ENG) 11—9, 11—9, 9—11, 11—7 (64m).