Squash latest: Dipika Pallikal pulls out, however, still retains hopes
The Indian side looking to make its greatest-ever impact yet on women’s squash, suffered a major blow on Monday when Dipika Pallikal withdrew from the Commonwealth Games even before a ball was struck.
The 19-year-old Dipika from Chennai, who is pushing close to the top thirty in the world, had been expected to reach the final sixteen, however, must now hope to recover on time for the doubles competition in the second half of the event.
"She has a mild fever. I hope she will be ready for the women's and mixed doubles, for she is a key member of the doubles squads,” said Cyrus Poncha, who is the coach of the Indian team in New Delhi on Monday.
He further added, "She was seeded fourteen and a good run in the singles would have been nice, and would at least have given her good match practice. Now we must hope she gets well quickly."
Meanwhile, Peter Barker and Daryl Selby, two English players, registered their names as the first serious medal contenders to advance.
The third seed Peter, who triumphed in the final match back in 2007 world team final in Chennai, celebrated his comeback to the Indian side by thrashing out Kelvin Ndhlovu from Zambia in straight games.
His fourth seed countrymen Selby also succeeded in straight games, by 11-2, 11-1, and 11-2 versus Michael Rucklinger from Papua New Guinea.
Elsewhere, Khaalija Nimji set a record by registering his name as the youngest squash contender ever to contest in the Commonwealth Games, despite of suffering from homesickness.
The 12-year-old from Nairobi recently became the Kenyan national winner and was rewarded with her history making visit to New Delhi, in spite of the fact that she was defeated 11-0, 11-3, 11-1 at the hands of Nicolette Fernandes, the world number twenty
seven of Guyana.
"I was very excited, especially as I am so young. It was a great experience. Nicolette is a very good player. She really plays great shots. I tried my best but I just could not do it. She is the best player I have ever played,” said Nimji on Monday.
While talking about her goal, Khaalija said that she want to face Nicol David and reach the top ranking in the world.
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