Pallikal first Indian to break into top 10

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS) Top squash player Dipika Pallikal became the first Indian, male or female, to make the top 10 of the world rankings released Saturday.

Dipika jumped three places to be ranked 10th by Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) with 5175.75 points.

Exactly a year ago, the 21-year-old was ranked 17 and she wants to better her ranking next year.

“There is lots more to do and I have age on my side. This year has been a fruitful one for me. The target for next year would be to better my rankings and be in top five,” said the Chennai-born girl, who is coached by five-time world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald of Australia.

India’s Joshana Chinappa also jumped a place to 31 in the year-end rankings.

Both, Dipika and Joshana, were part of the team which became the first Indian side to reach the quarterfinals of the World Team Squash Championship in Nimes, France in November.

IANS 2012-12-01 17:20:12