Indian men marched into the quarterfinals while the women, who are defending champions, went down against a depleted Hong Kong in their second group match of the Asian Squash Team Championships here today.
The men's team, led by Asia No.1 Saurav Ghosal, topped Group A after posting convincing wins against Qatar and Philippines at the Hong Kong Squash Centre. The top seeds meet Singapore in the last-eight stage tomorrow.
Ghosal was tested by Qatar No.1 Abdulla Mohammed Al-Tamimi before managing a 9-11 11-6 11-7 12-10 win in India's morning match. Mahesh Mangaonkar and Harinder Pal Sandhu won their matches comfortably.
Ghosal was rested for the evening tie against Philippines. The trio of Sandhu, Mangaonkar and Ravi Dixit did the job for India's smooth entry into the knock-out phase.
There was disappointment in the women's camp after their surprising loss to Hong Kong, whom they beat to win their maiden title in 2012. The hosts got the better of Indians 2-1 even in the absence of their number one player and World No.9 Annie Au.
The Indians were put on the backfoot with 10th-ranked Dipika Pallikal losing to World No.22 Joey Chan in five games.
Seasoned player Joshana Chinnappa (ranked 21) levelled the pool match by beating Liu Tsz Ling (40).
India's third player, Anaka Alankamony, produced a valiant effort against higher-ranked Tong Tsz Wing, but it was not enough for her team. She lost in five games, after having won the first two.
Results:
Men: India beat Qatar 3-0 (Saurav Ghosal beat Abdulla Mohammed Al-Tamimi 9-11 11-6 11-7 12-10, Mahesh Mangaonkar beat Abdulrahman Salem Al-Malki 11-6 11-6 11-4, Harinderpal Singh Sandhu beat Ahmad Mohammed Al-Tamimi 11-4 11-4 12-10). India beat Philippines 3-0 (Mahesh Mangaonkar beat Reymark Begornia 11-2 11-3 11-3, Harinderpal Singh Sandhu beat David William Pelino 11-2 11-6 7-11 11-5, Ravi Dixit beat Lydio Espinola 11-4 11-2 11-4).
Women: India lost to Hong Kong 1-2 (Dipika Pallikal lost to Joey Chan 11-9 10-12 11-4 7-11 8-11, Joshana Chinappa beat Liu Tsz Ling 11-9 11- 8 9-11 11-6, Anaka Alankamony lost to Tong Tsz Wing 12-10 11-9 6-11 5-11 7-11.
