Toronto : Dipika Pallika failed to make it to the finals of the Granite Open . Last year’s runner-up, India’s Dipika suffered a shock defeat against Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana in the semi-final of the squash event on Friday.
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.
Dipika had her chances but failed to capitalize. 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.