Indian girls in Asian squash final

On a day of mixed fortunes, India's girls team continued its good showing to prevail over Japan 2-1 and make their maiden entry to the final while their men lost to their arch rivals Pakistan 0-3 in the semi-finals, in the Asian squash championships, at Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

In the semi-finals of the 11th edition of the championship, the Indian girls recorded a hard-fought victory over Japan to set up a title clash with hot favourites Malaysia.

After Joshna Chinappa of India had won a gruelling match against Chinachu Matsui of Japan 10-9, 9-7, 3-9, 4-9, 9-7, Mekhala Subedar lost to Mami Nishio 3-9, 4-9, 4-9. In the decider, India's Vaidehi Reddy played to her true form to defeat Yoriko Michishita 10-9, 9-0, 9-4.

However, the Indian men were convincingly beaten by Pakistan and now play Hong Kong for the third and fourth places.

After Ritwik Bhatacharya lost to Manzure Zaman, Manish Chotrani went down to Shahid Zaman. Ijaz Ahmed then beat Bikram Uberoi to register a facile win for Pakistan.