R2: [5] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-1 [10] Joshna Chinappa (IND) 11-7, 12-14, 11-2, 11-5 (41m)
A very good first two games for both players today. When we started the match, their recent encounter was 2/1 for SJ, the English taking the win last time they played at the British, 3/1.
Bit the same today, with a good dominance from SJ in the opener, keeping the rallies high paced and short, always a couple of cushion in front of her skilful opponent, taking it 11/7 in 10m.
The second, well, SJ will kick herself not to take as she was 5/3, 8/5, 10/6 game ball, had 5 game balls, but couldn’t close it, letting Joshna back in the match, 14/12 in 15m. Note that SJ gave away 7 points (4 errors, 3 strokes), while Joshna only 3 (1 error, 2 strokes).
But from that point on, it was all about SJ really. Not sure if it’s just SJ picking up the ball very early, forcing Joshna to to move late and get a bit too late on the ball, or the Indian getting a bit tired after that tough second: 9/0, 11/2 in the third, 6m, 4/1, 7/3, 10/4 match ball, 11/5 in the 4th, same length, 6m…
SJ
“One of these days, I’ll win 3-0! I was happy with the way I played, just at the end of the second, I was in control and I just went off the boil slightly. She played some good rallies, so I knew I had to come out in the third and get back into my game.
“Exactly what I did yesterday after I should have won the second and then lost it. I refocused and I was really happy with that. Very happy with the last two games. I played controlled squash and that’s what I want to be able to do consistently. Then, to be able to get the fight out when I need it. To play with control, I though I did really well today.
“I thought I played with a lot more composure, I got on the ball nice and early and then I just have to trust that if I have all the options, they don’t know where the ball is going and it disrupts their movement. I was really pleased with some of the balls I picked up and being able to back up my own shots to counter attack and I was really happy with that!”