Kush Kumar fell but Mahesh Mangaonkar and Joshna Chinappa marched on to the semifinals in the men's and women's sections, respectively, in the USD 15,000 Victoria Open squash event here today.
After two confident rounds, the former national junior champion Kush was up against another fighting player like him, the sixth seeded Steven Finitsis of Australia. The Australian quickly dismantled Kush in three straight games 11-5, 11-7, 11-9.
But Mahesh proved different against Jaymie Haycocks of England in a match that went to four games. The third seeded Indian started tentatively before settling down to complete a 13-15, 12-10, 11-8, 11-7 win. Mahesh now meets the top seed Australian Ryan Cuskelly next.
Third seed Joshana did what was expected of her, beating the seventh seeded Megan Craig (New Zealand) in four games for a semifinal berth. The Indian won 11-6, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9 and will meet the 'player of the day' Christine Nunn of Australia.
Seeded eight, Christine stunned the top seed and well known Rachael Grinham in four games 11-9, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7.
