Joshna edges past Dipika to enter WISPA final

Talented Joshna Chinappa put paid to the aspirations of compatriot Dipika Pallikal, scoring a thrilling 3-2 win over the highly-ranked Indian in the semi-finals of the WISPA Challenger Squash championship in Chennai on Friday.

World number 32 Joshna beat the 23rd-ranked Pallikal 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6 in a marathon 60-minute game.

Top seeded Australian Donna Urquhart rallied after dropping the first game to defeat third seed Lisa Camilleri, also of Australia, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 in the other semi-final.

Both Joshna and Dipika, knowing each other's strengths well, played cautiously in the beginning and waited for their.

"I had prepared for the match mentally because Dipika has been playing well in the circuit. In fact, she had defeated higher ranked players with whom I had struggled. Today also, Dipika played well but I did not give her any opportunity to play shots, which is her strong point. I needed to go for winners early enough before being dragged on rallies, which I was able to succeeded," an elated Joshna said.

Joshna said she has shown improvement in her game compared to the 2008 and 2009 seasons. "The fact that I was able to beat Dipika today was that I knew that she tends to error if I maintain my consistency. She is a tough rival and at times her strokes are brilliant. I hope to maintain my form for winning the title tomorrow."