Joshna Chinappa makes last 16 of British Open Squash Championships

Joshna Chinappa

Hull (England), May 14 (IANS) India’s Joshna Chinappa scalped four-time champion Rachael Grinham, the 15th seed from Australia, 3-2 and entered the pre-quarterfinals of the women’s singles in the British Open squash championship here.

One of the event’s greatest stars, Grinham, twice led unseeded Chinappa, but the World No.21 from India held her nerves to win 7-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-2, 11-6 Tuesday and secure a first time berth in the last 16.

While Chinappa advanced, her compatriot Dipika Pallikal lost to qualifier Tensi Evans who thus ensured Welsh interest in the second round for the first time in more than two decades.

Evans upset the 12th seeded Pallikal, who recently broke into top 10, 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 4-11, 13-11 in 65 minutes.

In the men’s singles, Indian champion and World No.15 Saurav Ghosal also made his exit as he was beaten 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6, by England’s higher ranked Daryl Selby.