SRAM Invitational 2016: Nicol David beats Joshna Chinappa in the final
Indian squash ace Joshna Chinappa’s good run at the Women’s SRAM Invitational 2016 came to an end at the hands of the top seed and eight-time world champion Nicol David in the final of this event at Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday. The World No. 4 beat the 10th ranked Chinappa, 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 in just 23 minutes.
The 14-time Indian national champion was level with David till 6-6 in the opening game after which the former World No. 1 upped the pace and intensity of her game and raced away.
“I got better with each match and I executed my game plan and put the pressure early on,” said the 32-year-old David after her win.
“She (Chinappa) was also playing well. She was very confident after beating Joelle King of New Zealand (in the semi-finals) on Saturday, so I knew I had to be very sharp today.”
Despite the loss, the fourth-seeded Indian can be proud of her efforts at this invitational tournament which served as a good warm-up event before the new PSA season kicks off in August. The 29-year-old beat the World No. 14 Jenny Duncalf in the group stage and posted a remarkable come-from-behind victory over the ninth-ranked Joelle King in the semi-finals on Saturday.
In the 3rd/4th place play-off, it was the second seed and World No. 8 Omneya Abdel Kawy who avenged her group stage defeat to Joelle King with a tough 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 win over the Kiwi. The 5th/6th play-off proved to be a heartbreak for the local fans as the Malaysia No. 2 Delia Arnold was beaten 9-11, 11-9, 3-11, 6-11 by Jenny Duncalf.