Indian squash ace Joshna Chinappa’s good run at the Women’s SRAM Invitational 2016 came to an end at the hands of the top seed and eight-time world champion Nicol David in the final of this event at Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday. The World No. 4 beat the 10th ranked Chinappa, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 in just 23 minutes.
The 14-time Indian national champion was level with David till 6-6 in the opening game after which the former World No. 1 upped the pace and intensity of her game and raced away.
“I got better with each match and I executed my game plan and put the pressure early on,” said the 32-year-old David after her win.
“She (Chinappa) was also playing well. She was very confident after beating Joelle King of New Zealand (in the semi-finals) on Saturday, so I knew I had to be very sharp today.”
Despite the loss, the fourth-seeded Indian can be proud of her efforts at this invitational tournament which served as a good warm-up event before the new PSA season kicks off in August. The 29-year-old beat the World No. 14 Jenny Duncalf in the group stage and posted a remarkable come-from-behind victory over the ninth-ranked Joelle King in the semi-finals on Saturday.
In the 3rd/4th place play-off, it was the second seed and World No. 8 Omneya Abdel Kawy who avenged her group stage defeat to Joelle King with a tough 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 win over the Kiwi. The 5th/6th play-off proved to be a heartbreak for the local fans as the Malaysia No. 2 Delia Arnold was beaten 9-11, 11-9, 3-11, 6-11 by Jenny Duncalf.
