Asian Games 2018: Joshna Chinappa stun Malaysia to carry India women’s team into Squash final

In what would be perhaps the biggest upset, Joshna Chinappa came of age to stun eight-time world champion Nicol David to carry India to their successive final in the women’s squash team semi-final event of the 18^th Asian Games on Friday.

India beat defending champions Malaysia 2-0 to make it to the final once again following their silver win four years ago at the at Incheon event. They will now take on Hong Kong in the final on Saturday.

31-year-old Chinappa found her own way to smile after crying following the defeat against Annie Au in the Pool match against Hong Kong. The loss meant, India finished behind Hong Kong in the group stages and were, therefore, handed tougher opponents in the semi-finals.

But the World No.16 had a point to prove against the five-time Asian singles gold medallist Nicol, matching her shot on shot and engaged long rallies to carry India into the finals. She won the first two games with utter dominance and although lost the third, looked set for a victory in the in fourth game standing at match point on 10-9, but Nicol bounced back with three consecutive points to level the game 2-2 at the end of the fourth set.

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In the fifth and final set, Chinappa once again found herself with a match point and this time did not let the opportunity slip, taking one more point from 10-9 to seal the victory and open up India’s chances of making their consecutive final appearance.

She eventually beat Nicol 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 10-12, 11-9 in a hard-fought five-set match.

“I was very upset yesterday as you must have seen. I did not play the way I was supposed to play. Spoke to my parents and coach and that helped. Today, I just wanted to be myself. Nicol is such a champion. She always plays a fair game and today was no different. Really happy to have come through,” Joshna was quoted as saying by PTI following her victory.

Dipika Pallikal then blew away former world number five Low Wee Wern – who is making her return following a 20-month injury lay-off – to seal India’s progress into the final.

World No.19 Pallikal beat Wern 11-2, 11-9, 11-7.