India blank Canada to finish 9th in World Squash C’ship

India defeated Canada 2-0 to finish ninth in the World Women’s Team Squash Championship here on Saturday.

Both Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal were in great touch as the seasoned duo won their matches against Holie Naughton and Samantha Cornett respectively to give India the winning margin.

Joshna beat Holie Naughton 13-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-7 while Dipika Pallikal won 11-7, 11-5, 11-2.

Akansha Salunkhe, the third player in the side, hoping for her first appearance did not need to make to the court.

Joshna started off well but seemed to briefly lose concentration after getting a two game lead before steadying herself. But Dipika played blinding squash to blast her opponent away.

The effort in the classification matches thus masked the initial disappointment of the team not qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Also the overall ninth place is a quantum improvement for India from the 14th place finish in the previous edition in 2014.