Lone Indian challenge wilts under Kiwi power

Hyderabad, July 5 (UNI) The lone Indian challenge in the 80,000 US Dollar Qatar Airways WISPA World Tour Squash Championship ended when National Champion Joshna Chinnappa crashed out in the first round here this evening.

Up against World no 13 Shelly Kitchen of New Zealand, the Indian numero uno managed to recover from a two-game deficit, before going down fighting 4-9, 1-9, 9-7, 4-9 in 45 minutes.

It was smooth sailing for seeded players with top seed and World Champion Nicol David of Malaysia and reigning champion and World no 4 Rachael Grinham of Australia advancing to the last 16 stage with easy victories.

While World no 2 Nicol accounted for Raneem Ek Weleily of Egypt 9-3, 9-3, 9-2, Rachael started her title defence with a 9-5, 9-2, 9-0 win over qualifier Carla Khan of Pakistan.

Ranked 47 places below her experienced rival, it required a monumental effort from the Indian to upset the Kiwi. In fact the start was perfect for Joshna, who ran up a 4-1 lead.

But she blew up the lead to lose the opening game 9-4. It was a one-sided affair in the second as Shelly won 9-1 without dropping any set.

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