Indian women go down fighting

India thus settled for a silver, still a better showing than the previous edition when the women had returned home with a bronze. 

After Sachika Ingale as the first contestant failed to do much to lose in straight games to Sivasangari Subramaniam, the focus was on the number one player Joshna Chinappa to provide succour. She had lost to Delia Arnold in the earlier meeting of the two teams. 

There was promise of changed scenario after Joshna powered her way for the first game. But the cool Malaysian, took her time, avoided making mistakes and forced the rallies to trip Joshna even though points for a long time went neck and neck. 

The turning point came in the second game when Joshna on game-ball erred and Delia was not one to miss such opportunities. She found her way to grab the second game and from there keeping a low pace and concentrating more on returns, kept testing Joshna’s patience to good purpose. The Indian fell to the bait and so ended a valiant effort. 

Dipika Pallikal who was all geared up for the possible third match, as also the othes in the Indian camp, had to watch the fall in distress.