WISPA Indian Challenger 2011:Joshana Proceeds, Dipika Bows Out

Joshana Chinappa: Just a Game Away to Glory

India’s talented Joshna Chinappa put paid to the aspirations of her compatriot and highly ranked Dipika Pallikal to score a 3-2 win in the semi final of the 2011 season’s first WISPA Challenger Squash championship here this evening.

After top seeded Australian dropped the first game to win the next three over third seeded Lisa Camilleri, also of Australia, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6, the Indians took to the centre court, where Dipika, world ranked 23 to Joshna’s 32, belied the expectations of her supporters as she failed to raise her game to required levels. Joshna, who was patient and slugged it out for opportunities, won at 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6 a marathon 60 minutes game.

Both Chinappa and Dipika, knowing their strengths well, were playing cautiously in the beginning and waited for their chances to gain points. However, Dipika was prominent in raising her game from a 3-all position in the first game and took five points in a row, before Joshna made it 4-8 and then scored two winners with her front court play. After couple of hand outs, Dipika went on to serve and clinched the vital lead 1-0.

Joshna, heading towards winning her sixth WISPA title, second in her home country, was at her best in the second. Though, Joshna trailed by two points (3-5), she kept her cool in exhibiting variety and displayed tremendous amount of improvement in her shot selections. But, Dipika, the highest ranked Indian player on WISPA was not giving away easily and matched her senior mate in leveling the score twice (6-6 and 9-9) with telling returns. However, Joshna, the more experienced player on the circuit, had little difficulty in clinching the next two points for the game.

The third also went on similar lines of the first game and the rivals were going neck to neck. At times, Dipika was rather casual in her approach and failed in concentration midway the game. But, Joshna to her credit, displayed her wares in great measure excelling with her boasts and front court play. From 5-3, Joshna steadily scored to lead 10-6 before winning the game for a 2-1 score.

But, Dipika, ranked 23 in the world to Joshna’s 32, was perhaps waiting for the moment to show her superiority as the fourth game started. Dipika had her moments of positive play and in the manner in which she consistently attacked and had Joshna pinned to the back court was noteworthy . Dipika led 3-zero initially and then rode on successfully and served for the game at 10-4. Here, Dipika was perhaps under pressure and this helped Joshna to save two game points before losing the game at 6-11.

In the decider, both were matching each other with drops and playing to the glass walls. However, Joshna outwitted Dipika on number of times to take her score to 7-3 and then 8-4. Here Joshna had to exert her sinew and went on to win the match.

An elated Chinappa gave full credit to Pallikal for her rise in standards. “I had prepared for the match mentally because Dipika has been playing well in the circuit. In fact, she had defeated higher ranked players with whom I had struggled. Today also, Dipika played well but I did not give her any opportunity to play shots, which is her strong point. I needed to go for winners early enough before being dragged on rallies, which I was able to succeeded”, Chinappa said.

“I have shown improvement in my game compared to 2008 and 2009 seasons. The fact that I was able to beat Dipika today was I had known that she tend to error if I maintained my consistency. She is a tough rival and at times her strokes are brilliant. I hope to maintain my form for winning the title tomorrow”

1 *Donna Urquhart, AUS, def. 3*Lisa Camilleri, AUS, 8-11 11-4 11-5 11-6( 39m) .

4*Joshana Chinappa, IND, def. 2*Dipika Pallikal, IND, 6-11 11-9 11-6 6-11 11-6(60m)