Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal enter World doubles squash C'ship as top seeds

Both of them also feature in the mixed doubles, Joshna partnering Harinder Pal Sandhu and Dipika clubbing with Saurav Ghosal. In addition India has in Harinder Pal Sandhu and Ramit Tandon one pair in the men's doubles section. A surprise non-entrant in the men's section is Ghosal. Generally, it is he and Harinder who form the team but Ghosal has preferred to concentrate in the mixed doubles section instead as part of team strategy, since he and Dipika are the second seeds and the perception is that there is a better chance of a podium finish here.

Doubles squash has not quite picked up internationally yet. Only seven countries are in the fray and conspicuous by its absence is the world's number one force, Egypt. Then again the event has not been held regularly. In fact, the last edition of the World championship was in 2006, again in Australia (Melbourne). In 2004 when Chennai hosted the event, Ghosal and Ritwik Bhattacharya had finished runner-up in the men's section.

Nonetheless, at Darwin, there are ten pairs in the men's section, seven in the women's and 11 in the mixed doubles, all featuring the best of players in the world. It is not an easy playground for the Indians but experience is India's key. As national coach Cyrus Poncha, who is with Indian squad said. “the men and women are all set. All of them look ready for the occasion.”

The preliminary pool matches get underway on Monday. The Championship goes on tillAugust 18.

Report Courtesy : © SRFI Media