India end Malaysia’s challenge

ended Malaysia’s dominance in the Asian Games women’s squash team event when the South Asians defeated their rivals 2-0 in the semi-finals in Jakarta yesterday

No country have won the women’s team gold except for Malaysia since it was introduced at the 2010 Guangzhou edition.

India’s World No 16 Joshna Chinappa upset ninth-ranked Nicol David 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 10-12, 11-9 in the first match.

Dipika Pallikal Karthik sealed India the winning point with a 112, 11-9, 11-7 win over Low Wee Wern in 25 minutes.

With the defeat, Malaysia return with a bronze from this event.

India will play Hong Kong, who beat Japan 2-0, in today’s final.

Nicol said: “I am slightly disappointed with my performance today. I wanted to win as it is my last Games.

“India played well. We lost to a better team,” said Nicol yesterday.

“I came close to winning while Wee Wern did her best in her match.”

The 35-year-old added: “Winning one gold (women's singles) and a bronze is something that I can be proud of.”

World No 70 Wee Wern admitted that there was pressure following Nicol’s defeat.

“We knew it would be a tough tie. We tried our best,” said Wee Wern.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian men’s team will be going for gold today after having defeated Pakistan 2-0 in the semi-finals yesterday.

Malaysia, comprising Nafiizwan Adnan, Ng Eain Yow, Ivan Yuen and Mohd Syafiq Kamal, will face Hong Kong, who beat India 2-0 yesterday.