Squash World Cup: India claim maiden title, blank Hong Kong 3-0 in final | More sports News
CHENNAI: After bagging bronze in the previous edition two years ago, India climbed two steps up on Sunday. Toppling top seeds Hong Kong 3-0, India claimed their maiden Squash World Cup in front of a lively gathering at the Express Avenue Mall here. Egypt and Japan shared the bronze medal.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In the tournament’s first all-Asian final, the city’s own squash icon Joshna Chinappa set the ball rolling for the hosts, handing India a good start with a 3-1 win over Ka Yi Lee (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1). Despite not getting game time in the semifinal against Egypt, the world No. 79 showed her calibre against the higher-ranked Lee (37), settling into the contest with ease.
In the fourth game, Joshna put the contest to bed with her trademark drop shots, one of which Lee buried into the tin, sparking loud celebrations. “Definitely one of my top-five moments. Honestly, a few months ago, I wasn’t even sure if I would be playing this event. So, to be here representing the country at this stage of my life and career is pretty special. I feel so proud that I can still play for India,” said Joshna.“I think the whole team did a great job over the entire week.”
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In the next match, India men’s No. 1 Abhay Singh, fresh off a gruelling marathon battle, barely broke his stride as he swept past Asian Championship gold medallist Alex Lau 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-4). His 19-minute clash turned out to be one of shortest battles of the tournament. India then pocketed the title as women’s No. 1 Anahat Singh ran rings around Tomato Ho, winning 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) to take the hosts to the finish line with a match still in hand.
