Indian challenge ends at Hong Kong Open

India’s leading male player Saurav Ghosal sustained an injury on his right foot in his first round match against Steve Coppinger and had to concede his game to top-seed Mohammed Elshorbagy of Egypt. Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa lost their Round of 16 matches.

Dipika Pallikal went down to the third seed Camille Serme of France 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8.

The Indian challenge ended in the Hong Kong Squash Open with the exit of Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa in the Round of 16 here today.

India’s leading male player Saurav Ghosal sustained an injury on his right foot in his first round match against Steve Coppinger and had to concede his game to top-seed Mohammed Elshorbagy of Egypt.

Dipika went down to the third seed Camille Serme of France 7-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-8 where it was a closer finish for Joshna who was two games to one at one stage before crashing out to Joelle King of New Zealand. The New Zealander won 9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 12-10, 11-6 after a hour-long contest.

Ghoshal pulls out

Ghosal has pulled out of the Indian team for the World Men’s Squash Team Championship to be held in Cairo, Egypt from December 12 to 18.

To make matters worse for the Indian team, Mahesh Mangaonkar has reported sick and will not be available for the competition.

In view of the unforeseen circumstances, the Indian team has been picked against based on the latest world rankings. Harinder Pal Sandhu (World No. 66) will lead the team in the company of Kush Kumar (97), Ravi Dixit (209), Vijay Meena Kumar (360).