Indian teams reach Asian squash semis

Getting over their below-par performance in the pre-quarterfinals, India's men's and women's teams bounced back in style to reach the semi-finals in the Asian Squash Championships here on Friday.

While the men's team overcame its loss to hosts Japan with a comprehensive 2-0 win over the higher seeded Malaysia in the quarter-final, the eves thrashed Sri Lanka 3-0 to finish second in the group.

The men's team comprising Kush Kumar and Harinder Pal Sandhu lifted their games outstandingly as they gear up for the semi-final against Pakistan while the women's side of Dipika Pallikal, Joshna Chinappa and Sachika Ingale will face top seeds Hong Kong in the last four stage.

In the quarter-finals, Kush demolished Mohammad Kamal 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 in straight games while Harinder too put up an assuring show against Ivan Yuen to win 11-9, 11-6, 13-11.

The women had a rather easy outing with Joshna beating Mihiliya Methsarani 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 and Dipika getting the better of Fathima Naushaard Issadeen 11-2,11-2,11-7, while Sachika made it 3-0 by beating Hettiachi Kasuni Malkini Gunawardene 11-7 11-6, 11-5.

--IANS

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