Dipika crashes out of World Junior Squash Championship

New Delhi: Dipika Pallikal`s dream of winning the World Junior Squash Championship title went up in smoke after the Indian suffered a 13-15, 9-11, 9-11 defeat at the hands of fourth seed Nour El Tayeb of Egypt in semifinal at Cologne, Germany.

For the 18-year-old Dipika, who is currently ranked 40 in WISPA, this was the last opportunity to clinch the title as she turns 19 in September this year. Dipika, who had comprehensively beaten another Egyptian Kanzy El Dafrawy to enter the final-four, put up spirited fight but failed to fetch some important points during the semifinal match yesterday. After winning the first game, Tayeb grew in confidence and dismantled Dipika`s plan by showing maturity in shot selection in the remainder of the match. However, both Dipika and Tayeb often made good use of their front court play. Meanwhile, top seed Nour El Sherbini of Egypt went down to American Amanda Sobhy 10-12, 12-14, 9-11 in the other semifinal. Dipika and Sherbini finished third and fourth respectively. Another Indian Anaka Alankamony will play for the seventh position, while Anwesha Reddy and Aparajitha Balamurukan will take on each other for the 17th spot. PTI