India were pushed to the limit by Canada before the hosts pulled through 2-1 to enter the semi-finals of the 13th junior squash World team championship for women on Thursday.
India were pushed to the limit by Canada before the hosts pulled through 2-1 to enter the semi-finals of the 13th junior squash World team championship for women on Thursday.
The tie, hanging fire after the teams split the opening two singles, saw Surbhi Mishra winning the deciding third singles in four games against Jennifer Pelletier to set up a clash with Hong Kong, which overcame New Zealand 3-0.
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The other semi-final will be between defending champions and top seeds Egypt and fifth seeded USA, both winning their quarter-finals without much ado against Malaysia and England, respectively.
The Indians were off to a poor start when Anwesha Reddy, who sat out the previous two encounters, going down to Kemberley Hay in three games. Anwesha appeared rather rusty and tentative while Hay gained in confidence as the match progressed, winning the crucial points.
India, however, bounced back when their No1 player, Dipika Pallikal defeated Laura Gemmel in straight games to set the match on fire.
The Canadian hopes of snatching an upset win were dashed in the third singles with Surbhi holding firm against Pelletier's belated fightback to put India in the semi-finals.
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