NSCI Open Day 2 : Egyptian siblings dominate Day 2

Hania and Karim El Hammamy (EGY); Credit: Nitesh Square

Hania El Hammamy (EGY) handily won her match against PSA newcomer Akanksha Hemant Sulankhe (IND) in today's second qualifying round. Sulankhe relied on her powerful returns, sending out shots with all her strength, but was not enough against the more accurate El Hammamy. Sulankhe found her legs in game two, which saw both players out of the T in some lively rallies. But El Hammamy again took control in the third game, taking the match 11-2, 11-9, 11-4 in 40 minutes.

"I was not feeling good on the court, and she made really good shots. In my first game, my moves were better than the other two. Tomorrow, they are all good players. It will be difficult." - Hania El Hammamy (EGY)

"This was my first-ever PSA tournament and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm not feeling even 1% bad about it. I'm going to work harder." - Akanksha Hemant Salunkhe (IND)

El Hammamy Beats Dixit To Join Men's Main Draw

Karim El Hammamy (EGY) followed his sister's lead, beating Ravi Dixit (IND) to join tomorrow's Main Draw. Dixit started out strong, deploying drops to trip up El Hammamy in the first game. But midway through, El Hammamy caught on and began to give back the same. Play and points stayed even until midway through the second game, when a long, brilliant rally ended in an unforced area by Dixit, which set the tone for the rest of the match. El Hammamy took control carrying the match 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 in 34 minutes.

"It was tough in the beginning. I had a little problem in settling down, and it was a little stressful. Then my basics became tougher for my opponent, and I managed to win the other two games. I'll have to adapt tomorrow." - Karim El Hammamy (EGY)

"I started pretty well. Then, I don't know, all of a sudden I lost my temper and started making so many errors." - Ravi Dixit (IND)

Men's Top-Seed Qualifier Through To Main Draw

Top-seeded qualifier Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP) took today's match against Sandeep Jangra (IND) to enter tomorrow's Main Draw. Jangra played well, taking the second game with a couple of lovely shots. But Ribadas was more decisive with his play and controlled the middle well. He kept the game long and sent several shots just out of Jangra's reach. Ribadas pressed Jangra back on both sides till he got a loose ball, then took the match home, winning it 11-5, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 in 32 minutes.

"I was struggling a bit to get the ball to the back. When I found I was relaxing even a bit, he got a few points back. He's a good player. Tomorrow, I hope I play a bit better and make some damage in the Main Draw." - Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP)

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Edited by Staff Editor