Fifth-seed India’s men booked a second straight semi-final at the Squash Junior Team Championships with a hard-fought 2-1 win over No. 3 seeds England, while India’s women bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 1-2 defeat to the United States.
The men’s result keeps India in contention to improve on last year’s bronze medal-winning semifinal finish, and it sets up a semifinal meeting with the United States, who also advanced after beating No. 8 seeds Japan.
How India’s men edged England 2-1
India’s win over England was decided in the third match after the teams were locked at 1-1.
Aryaveer Dewan gave India the early advantage, putting the fifth seeds in front in the opening match of the tie.
England responded through Ismail Khalil, who levelled the contest by defeating Yusha Nafees in a five-game thriller, ensuring the quarterfinal would go down to a decider.
In the deciding match, Gurveer Singh delivered under pressure, clinching the tie with a straight-games victory over George Griffiths to send India through to the last four.
India will now face the United States in the semifinals. The USA progressed to the final four after defeating No. 8 seeds Japan, keeping their own campaign alive as the tournament moves into its decisive stages.
France make history in the men’s draw
Elsewhere in the men’s competition, France rewrote their own history by reaching the semi-finals of the World Squash Junior Team Championships for the first time in 26 years.
France secured their place in the last four by beating No. 6 seeds Malaysia 2-0, a result that confirmed their first semi-final appearance at the event since 2000.
Women’s quarterfinal: USA rally past India; Egypt await
In the women’s draw, No. 3 seeds USA came from behind to defeat India 2-1 and reach the semi-finals.
India started strongly through No. 1 string and reigning World Junior Champion Anahat Singh, who defeated Diya Yadav in straight games to put India ahead in the tie.
However, the USA pulled level in the second match as Charlotte Sze overcame Rudra Singh 11-6, 11-4, 11-8, forcing a deciding third match.
With the momentum swinging toward the USA, No. 3 string Lily Bourell sealed the comeback and the semifinal berth with a straight-games victory over Anika Dubey.
The USA women’s team will now face defending champions Egypt, who advanced to the semi-finals with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Australia.
Hong Kong, China and Malaysia also reach the last four
Also in the women’s quarterfinals, No. 2 seeds Hong Kong, China continued their pursuit of the title with a convincing victory over hosts Canada.
They will meet No. 4 seeds Malaysia in the semi-finals after Malaysia overcame No. 6 seeds England to reach the final four.
