Dipika Pallikal loses in Granite Open semi-final

Last year's runner-up, India's Dipika Pallikal yesterday crashed out of the Granite Open after suffering a shocking defeat against Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana in the semi-final of the squash event

Toronto: Last year's runner-up, India's Dipika Pallikal yesterday crashed out of the Granite Open after suffering a shocking defeat against Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana in the semi-final of the squash event in Toronto on Friday.

Dipika Pallikal. Pic/AFP

Pallikal, the second seed, lost 10-12, 9-11 9-11 to sixth seeded Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana in the semifinal of the PSA world tour event.

It was a match where Dipika had her chances but failed to capitalise. The Indian had a game ball in the first game but Nicolette showed great ability with her counter drops and crosscourt shots to wriggle her way out and grab the game.

Dipika led in the second in what proved a tight tussle. There was even a break to help the Guyanese attend to an injury after she had gone for a bold dive on the court. Still trailing a trifle the lower ranked player fought her way to go on par and forge ahead to turn the trend again.

Dipika was down but not out as she kept her rival on her toes with intelligent placings and rallies. But as it happened Nicolette played like a machine and made every effort to reply to anything put to her.

The match went past one hour before Dipika was ousted by the rival's unmatched resilience.

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