Dipika in quarter-finals of junior World Squash

Top seed and favourite Dipika Pallikal of India sailed smoothly into the quarter-finals of the girls' singles in the 13th junior World Squash Championships at the ICL Academy courts onThursday.

Leaving nothing to chance, Dipika, the 17-year old from Chennai blasted past Yathreb Abel of Egypt 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 in 22 minutes. She will next meet another Egyptian, the fifth seeded Nouran El Torky on Friday.

Meanwhile, the other Indian hope, Anwesha Reddy went down rather tamely to second seed Heba El Torky of Egypt who carried far too much power and courtcraft for the 17-year old Indian.

Egypt, in fact, had six players in the quarter-finals, including 15th seed Nour El Sherbini who upset No 6 Low Wee Nee of Malaysia in five games.

Reflecting on her performance, Dipika said: "I am quite happy with my form, but I know it will get tougher from the quarter-finals. I have trained hard for this tournament just like everyone else here. I am taking one match at a time and not looking too far ahead."

In the boys' singles, top seed and defending champion Mohammed El Shorbagy of Egypt led the field into the round of eight and looked unbeatable.

Earlier in the day, Dipika was in imperious form while defeating New Zealand's Lana Harrison in just 19 minutes to remain on course.

In contrast, Answeha needed all of 42 minutes and four games to quell Carrie Ramsey of England.

Late last night, the Indian challenge in the boys' singles ended with the exit of Ramit Tandon, Ravi Dixit and Karan Malik.