Team India makes history by defeating top seed Hong Kong to claim their first ever Squash World Cup title. (NOT a photo) CHENNAI: After clinching bronze in the previous edition two years ago, India climbed two notches higher on Sunday. India beat Hong Kong 3-0 to claim their maiden World Squash Championship in front of a lively gathering at the Express Avenue Mall here. Egypt and Japan shared the bronze medal.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!In the first All-Asia final of the tournament, the city’s homegrown squash icon Joshna Chinappa set the ball rolling for the hosts and got India off to a flying start with a 3-1 win over Ka Yi Lee (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1). Despite not getting game time in the semi-final against Egypt, the world number 79 showed her caliber against the higher-ranked Lee, 37, and easily settled into the match.
Lionel Messi India trip: Mumbai in numbers for the superstar
In the fourth game, Joshna put the contest to bed with her signature drop shots, one of which Lee buried in the can, prompting loud celebrations. “Definitely one of my top five moments. Honestly, a few months ago I wasn’t even sure if I would play this event. So to be here representing the country at this stage of my life and career is pretty special. I feel so proud to still be playing for India,” said Joshna.“I think the whole team did a great job all week.
Vote
How do you feel about India’s historic win in the Squash World Cup?
In the next match, Indian men’s No. 1 Abhay Singh, fresh from a grueling marathon battle, barely broke stride as he overcame Asian Championship gold medalist Alex Lau 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-4). His 19-minute clash turned out to be one of the shortest battles of the tournament. India then had the title in their pocket as women’s number one Anahat Singh cruised past Tomato Ho to win 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) to send the hosts to the finish line with the match still in play.
