Brilliant Harinder helps India upset Canada

Chennai, July 27 (UNI) Seventh seeded Indians scripted yet another remarkable upset victory against sixth seed Canada in the play-offs to decide fifth to eighth positions in the World Junior squash championships in New Zealand today.

According to national coach Cyrus Poncha, down by two games and 0-3 in the third, Harinderpal Singh once again came up with a brilliant display against David Letourneau, winning 2-9, 2-9, 9-5, 9-2,9-4. He keept the ball to good length and hitting nicks at will, Harinder levelled the match at 2-2.

In the decider, he quickly raced to a 5-1 lead and did not let Dave get back into the match. There were a few '50 shot' rallies with Harinder waiting patiently for his opponent to err.

Earlier, the onus was on Naresh Kumar to drew level defeating Dave Glass, after Sandeep gad gone down to the Canad's top seeded player Keith Pritchard 2-9, 2-9, 9-6, 8-10. Naresh showed nerves of steel to defeat Dave Glass 9-2, 1-9, 9-3, 9-2.

Although he lost the second game, Naresh was stronger mentally and won the match over four games.

The victory enabled India to play for 5th position againt Germany tomorrow, in what would be their final match in an eventful run in the championship.

Results: Sandeep Jangra lost to Keith Pritchard 2-9, 2-9, 9-6, 8-10 Naresh Kumar bt Dave Glass 9-2, 1-9, 9-3, 9-2 Harinderpal Singh bt David Letourneau 2-9, 2-9, 9-5, 9-2, 9-4 UNI VV AY HS1622