Dipika and Joshna reach second round of Hong Kong Open squash

World No. 16 Dipika Pallikal crushed Habiba Mohamed of Egypt in three straight sets in just 19 minutes. The Indian won the first set 11-9, after stiff competition from the Egyptian. Dipika carried forward the momentum, to win the next two sets comfortably with an identical scoreline of 11-2.

Dipika Pallikal will next play against Camille Sermi from France.

Meanwhile, World No.13 Joshna Chinappa defeated Megan Craig of New Zealand again in straight sets. The Indian lass won the first set 11-8 to go up 1-0 in the match.

In the second game, both the players were within striking distance of each other, but closed the game 11-9. Joshna continued her good performance, as she wrapped up the match by winning the third game 11-6.

Chinappa will next face Joelle King, another New Zealander, in the second round tomorrow.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saurav Ghosal defeated Stephen Coppinger from South Africa 3-2 in a hard-fought five-setter to set up a tough second round clash with second ranked Mohamed El Shorbagy on Thursday.