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Chennai: Continuing with their sparkling form, Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Pal Sandhu progressed to finals of the women’s and men’s events respectively at the the JSW Indian Squash Challenger tournament, here on Tuesday.
Dipika fought past South African Siyoli Waters 3-1 (11-4 10-12 11-8 11-5) in 42 minutes while Harinder got the better of Egyptian Hossam Nasser 3-0 (11-7 11-4 11-4) in 27 minutes.
With the exception of the first game, which was a close affair, Harinder dominated the semifinal contest.
In the women’s encounter, Dipika used pace against Waters, who found her rhythm after some unforced errors.
Waters came back strong in the second game, going point for point with Dipika into extra points, when two lovely shots by Waters sent the game her way 12-10.
Dipika sped up play in the third and fourth games, troubling Waters. The Indian sent Waters all over the court, putting the ball just out of her reach.
Dipika will clash with Japanese Misaki Kobayashi, who ousted Brigit Coufal from Austria 3-0 (11-6 11-4 11-5) in a quick 28-minute game.
Top seed Egyptian Karim Al Fathi prevented an all Indian mens’ final by defeating Ravi Dixit 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-5) in 60 minutes.
PTI
