Indian women narrowly lose to Malaysia in World Junior squash group match
Ontario, July 28
The Indian women's team will need to win their final group match against South Africa to advance after narrowly losing 1-2 to Malaysia in the World Squash Junior Team Championships underway in Ontario, Canada.
After Rudra Singh lost to Harleein Tan 5-11, 4-11, 6-11 in the opening match, Anika Dubey was involved in a five-game thriller against higher-ranked Ye San Lee, which the Malaysian clinched 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9.
The outcome of the match depended on the second rubber between Anika and Ye San Lee. After the pair had shared the opening three games, with Lee leading 2-1, the drama reached its peak as Anika fought back from 10-7 down in the fourth to force a deciding game.
However, Lee had other ideas. The Malaysian held her nerve to come through an absorbing fifth game, winning 11-9, drawing a huge roar from the Malaysian bench, and sealing the tie for her team.
With the outcome already decided, India's No.1 player Anahat Singh took to the court for the final match and brushed aside Whitney Wilson 11-2, 11-4, 11-5 in the concluding match, recording a straightforward straight-games victory.
Meanwhile, the Indian men's team is drawn to meet Kuwait in the pre-quarterfinals. No.11 seeds Kuwait progressed to the Round of 16 after a strong victory over Chinese Taipei.
Elsewhere, one of the matches of the day took place on Court 5 at White Oaks Resort & Spa, where No.19 seeds Hong Kong, China produced a stunning comeback to defeat No.14 seeds South Africa and secure second place in Group 3.
South Africa made the ideal start, with Joseph Feast completing a remarkable comeback from two games down to defeat Ting To Brogan Cheng 3-2.
However, this proved not to have any effect on Hong Kong, China, who responded immediately as third-string Pak To Lau levelled the tie with a commanding straight-games victory over Benjamin Newman, winning 13-11, 11-4, 12-10.
With the tie level at 1-1, everything came down to the deciding match, where Long Hin Larry Wong held his nerve to defeat Juan-Corné Brand in straight games, sealing a memorable comeback victory and confirming Hong Kong, China's place in the men's Round of 16.
In the men's draw, hosts Canada booked their place in the knockout stage with a comfortable victory over Macau, China. Germany secured second place in Group One with a straight-games victory over New Zealand, while No.13 seeds Australia confirmed their place in the Round of 16 with a win over No.20 seeds Mexico.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Close but no cigar. Anika's match was literally a game of inches - that fifth game could've gone either way. The Malaysian girl held her nerve better in crunch situations. This is where we need more mental conditioning at the junior level. Good exposure for our players though.
Anahat Singh is a star in the making! She just demolished her opponent 11-2, 11-4, 11-5. That's the kind of dominance we need from our top player. Shame the team result didn't go our way but individual performances are promising. Future of Indian squash looks bright.
Honestly, Rudra Singh's loss was a bit disappointing. 5-11, 4-11, 6-11 is quite one-sided. That put too much pressure on Anika. But credit to the girls for fighting till the end. Hope they learn from this and come back stronger against South Africa. The men's team also needs to step up against Kuwait.
Great to see Canadian juniors doing well in the home tournament! But that Hong Kong vs South Africa comeback was the match of the day - from 0-1 down to winning 2-1. Indian girls need to show that same fight. Anahat's composure was world-class though.
It's these close matches that build character. Anika Dubey will remember this loss and come back stronger - mark my words. Our junior squash program is producing solid players. Anahat, Anika, Rudra - these names will be household ones soon. Just need
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