Dipika equals highest ranking by an Indian women squash player
By IANSMonday, January 3, 2011
NEW DELHI - Dipika Pallikal Monday equalled the highest ranking ever achieved by an Indian women squash player.
Dipika reached a career-high 27-rank in the Women’s International Squash Player’s Association (WISPA) charts, equalling the feat by former player Misha Grewal.
Dipika moved two places from her previous ranking of 29 after a quarterfinal finish in the WISPA Punj Lloyd Masters here last month. Team mate and friend Joshna Chinappa stands at 35 in the list.
Dipika, who trains in Leeds and Egypt, said her aim is to break into the top-10 by the end of this year.
“I am moving a lot better though fitness is one area where I would like to improve. To say that I have age on my side and I have time to get into the higher bracket is not something I believe in. I would like to break into top 10 by the year-end. I think I have the game and it’s just about winning the crucial points against the top players,” said Dipika, who turned professional in 2006.
Dipika made rapid strides in the rankings last year. The Chennai-based player started 2010 as No.46 and ended at a commendable 29.
The 19-year-old’s climb up the ladder can be attributed to her two WISPA titles in 2010. Her maiden WISPA title came in the Indian Challenger event in April and she followed it up by winning the Nepal Open in November.
