World doubles squash C'ship | Dipika and Saurav finish runner-up
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India's leading mixed doubles pair of Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal went down to New Zealand's Joelle King and Paul Coll in the final to miss the gold medal in the World doubles squash Championship. Joshna Chinappa-Harinder Pal Sandhu and doubles pair of Joshna-Dipika also won a bronze medal.
Notwithstanding the loss, this championship has been historic for India with three medals won for the first time in the history of the Championship. Aside from Dipika and Saurav winning the silver. In addition, the men's doubles pair of Harinder and Ramit Tandon went on to finish a creditable fifth at the end of the playoffs. “Whichever way one viewed it, this has been a fabulous show overall by the Indians. Returning with three medals is something to be proud of and the players surely need a pat on their backs for this, ” said national coach Cyrus Poncha who had accompanied the Indian squad.
As for the final today, it must be said it was an unexpected end for the Dipika and Saurav. Just a day earlier the Indians had beaten the New Zealand pair in the league, even if over a distance but even though they played well, the same magic could not be reproduced when it was most needed. The New Zealanders played to a plan, never allowed either Saurav or Dipika to settle to any strategy. Returns were quick and varied to create hectic activity on the court. While the Indians were under pressure still matched point for point where they missed out was in not able to come up with right variations. Rallies were few but Paul in particular and Joelle showed the touch to get the drops going well and also hitting the ball through the middle to leave the Indians stranded at times. Indians lacked that finesse though an occasional Dipika floater did raise optimism.
The contest was more evenly poised in the second game but where the New Zealanders drew comfort was in not conceding any lead at any stage. It was a case of slow and steady progress to eventual success, all in 34 minutes.
Report Courtesy : © SRFI Media
