Kush Kumar enters world junior squash semifinals

Kush Kumar entered the semi-final of the WSF World Junior Individual Squash Championship here Wednesday and became the first Indian men's player to have risen this high in a global competition.

In a thrilling quarterfinal, which showcased his brilliant form, Kumar beat George Parker of England 11-6, 11-8, 11-8.

From the outset, Kumar had a firm control of the proceedings, getting his drive on direction and drops to perfection.

It did not get long for his opponent to show signs of frustration. There were occasions when Kumar, seeded 3/4, had George standing as the ball whizzed past beyond his reach.

Kumar looked in irresistible form, said national coach Cyrus Poncha. "This is a big day for Indian squash but he now has a big hurdle next, facing the top seed and championship favourite Diego Elias of Peru," he said.

In the girls' section, the lone Indian Harshit Kaur Jawanda exited in the third round.

The national U-19 champion first beat Jessica Davis of England 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 in the second round after getting a bye in the first. However, second seed Nouran Gohar of Egypt beat her in the third round 11-2, 11-7, 11-0.