Asian Games: Joshna Chinappa-Velavan Senthilkumar Storm Into Quarterfinals, Defeating Chand-Riaz In R16

New Delhi, Sep 24: The Indian veteran squash pair of Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar advanced to the quarterfinals of the mixed team event at the Asian Games here on Thursday, September 24. The duo won in straight games, 11-7, 11-10, against compatriots Suraj Chand and Shameena Riaz.

The Indian duo will next face the Philippines' David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado in the quarterfinals on Friday. Later in the day, Tanvi Khanna will face Singapore's Au Yeong Wai Yhann, while Anahat Singh will take on Au Yeong Wai Iynn of Singapore in their respective women's singles pre-quarterfinal matches.

In the men's singles, Abhay Singh is set to meet Sri Lanka's Ravindu Laksiri, while Veer Chotrani will square off against Malaysia's Sanjay Jeeva.

Chinappa-Senthilkumar Show Their Experience Against Chand-Riaz

The opening game was largely controlled by the seasoned duo, who used accurate lengths and effective court positioning to keep their opponents under pressure. Chinappa who is competing in her seventh Asian Games, brought the wealth of experience to the fore by controlling the middle of the court, while Senthilkumar looked to attack loose returns and create openings.

Chinappa and Senthilkumar secured the first game 11-7 after maintaining a steady rhythm and forcing Chand and Riaz into defensive positions.

The second game was far more competitive as the younger Indian pair increased the tempo and attacked earlier. Chand and Riaz fought back from a 7-9 deficit to level the score at 9-9, putting the experienced duo under considerable pressure.

With the game locked at 10-10, Chinappa and Senthilkumar showed composure to win the decisive point and seal an 11-10 victory, completing a straight-games win.

The result sends Chinappa and Senthilkumar into the quarterfinals, where they will face the Philippines' Jemyca Aribado and David Pelino.

For Chinappa, the victory adds another milestone to an illustrious Asian Games career, while Senthilkumar continues his campaign alongside one of India's most experienced squash players.