Sixth seed Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana shocked India’s Dipika Pallikal, the second seed, in the semi-final of the Granite Open, a PSA world tour event in Toronto late on Thursday. The Guyanese won 12-10, 11-9, 11-9.
It was a match where Dipika had her chances but failed to capitalize. The Indian had a game ball in the first game but Nicolette showed great ability with her counter drops and crosscourt shots to wriggle her way out and what is more, grab the game.
Dipika led in the second in what proved to be a tight tussle. There was even a break to help the Guyanese attend to an injury after she had gone for a bold dive on the court. Still trailing, the lower ranked player fought her way to go on par and forge ahead to turn the trend again.
Dipika was down but not out as she kept her rival on her toes with intelligent placing and rallies. But as it happened Nicolette played like a machine and made every effort to reply to anything put to her. The match went past one hour before Dipika was ousted by her rival’s unmatched resilience.
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