The Indian campaign at the $185, 000 Naza Women’s World Squash Championship got off to a bright start as the country’s No. 1 player, Joshna Chinappa won her first round match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday. The World No. 14 needed just 39 minutes to prevail over the 18th ranked Englishwoman Victoria Lust, 11-8, 11-3, 11-5.
The Indian star was rock solid for most parts of the match and began with a series of winners that stunned her opponent. Lust, however, did make a brief comeback and closed in before Joshna sealed the opening game 11-8.
In the second and the third games, she had no chance despite displaying some fierce hitting. Chinappa was in total control and soon wrapped up the contest.
This was a big confidence-boosting victory for the 29-year-old as the last time she played Lust at the 2015 Tournament of Champions, she had lost in straight games.
World No. 1 up next for Joshna
The reigning national champion has a tough task up next as she faces the World No. 1 Laura Massaro in the second round. The top seed dropped a game in her opening round to emerge a 9-11, 13-11, 11-6, 11-3 winner over Mexican qualifier Samantha Teran.
“Sometimes, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the true game and I was under pressure for many rallies,” said Chinappa after her win.
“The last time I played Victoria, I lost 3-0 and I knew that it would be a hard one coming into this match. I’m just really glad to get through,” added the top-ranked Indian.
The South Asian Games champion had come to this tournament after suffering a first round exit at the prestigious British Open in March.
Pallikal begins challenge on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the former World Championship quarter-finalist Dipika Pallikal will begin her challenge against Hong Kong’s World No. 10 Annie Au.
