17-Jan-05:
Joshna: My front court
game could get better ...
By Pradeep Vijayakar
Mumbai: Indian squash queen Joshna Chinappa, who made history
by becoming the first Indian girl to win the
British Junior Open under-19
title, says she needs a little more training on her movement to the
front of the court and better shot selection at times.
In her last year in this age group, Joshna can complete a hat-trick
this year because the Asian Juniors in her hometown Chennai
this month and the World Juniors in Belgium in July beckon.
She says she will be seen on the bigger canvas, the WISPA circuit,
more often if she gets sponsors.
How was the welcome home?
Very surprising. My two closest friends surprised me by coming and
receiving me at the airport at 4 a.m. in the morning.
Were you under pressure considering it was your last chance for
the elusive title?
No pressure was there, as I had reached the same (U-19) final last
year and lost only to the best junior girl in the world, Omneya
Abdel Kawy.
How do you compare the field to the world juniors where you lost
in the last eight?
The World Championship in Cairo was probably better because there
were a couple of good players there. There are players from Egypt,
America, Australia, Belgium at the British Open.
How did you train?
I was training on my own for a while at the Madras Cricket Club, and
the last two weeks before I left for UK, I went to the SDAT squash
academy, for some training, and workouts. Mentally, one has to train
within oneself, and no outside assistance can help in that regard.
So I was mentally prepared, to win the championship.
How did you find the South African lass Tenille Swartz who you
beat in the final?
She was quite a good player and played rather well to put pressure
on her opponents.
How do you plan to take your game forward?
Mostly going abroad to spar with some different players, and
work more on fitness.
When will we see you regularly on the big stage,
the WISPA Tour?
I have already played two WISPA events, and have reached the finals
of the Hong Kong event, held last September. It was only my second
Wispa tournament. If the sponsorships come I will be playing many
more Wispa events.
What areas of the game do you need to fine tune?
My movements up front and shot selection.
Pradeep Vijayakar
©2005 SquashSite |
Asian Junior Championships
20-28 Jan, Chennai
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