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In a display of sheer determination and grit, Dipika Pallikal and Harindar Pal Singh Sidhu overturned their fortunes, mounting a stellar comeback to clinch a spot in the mixed doubles semifinals during the ongoing squash competition at the Asian Games. This commendable achievement has assured India of a medal, bolstering the nation's tally.
Their quarterfinals match saw the duo pitted against the formidable team of Jemyca Aribado and Andrew Garica from the Philippines. Despite facing an initial setback with a 7-11 loss in the first set, Dipika and Harinder showcased their resilience. They regained their form and momentum, subsequently clinching the next two sets at 11-5 and 11-4, respectively. Their opponents from the Philippines, despite starting off strongly, faltered in their gameplay.
They struggled with their shots, often missing the front wall, and their ball retrieval tactics seemed less effective as the match progressed.
However, the day also witnessed a disappointment for India in the squash arena. Tanvi Khanna faced a challenging opponent in Satomi Watanabe and eventually succumbed with scores of 5-11, 6-11, and a close 12-14 in the women's singles quarterfinals.
Earlier in the day, showcasing a dominant form, Dipika and Harinder Sidhu effortlessly sailed past Japan's duo, Risa Sugimoto and Tomotaka Endo, in Pool A. They wrapped up the match with a straight-set win, scoring 11-5 in both sets. In another match in Pool D, India's Anahat Singh joined forces with Abhay Singh. Together, they outperformed the Hong Kong pair, Tsz Wing Tong and Ming Hong Tang, registering a straight-set win with scores of 11-10 and 11-8.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting the next match featuring India's Sourav Ghosal, who is set to battle it out against Japan's Tsukue Ryunosuke in the critical men's last-eight round match.
With the mixed doubles semifinal berth secured, India stands at the cusp of adding another medal to its Asian Games tally. The nation now keenly anticipates the forthcoming matches, hoping for more stellar performances from its athletes in the squash competition.
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