Joshna Chinappa wins Richmond Open

India squash ace Joshna Chinappa defeated former world champion Rachael Grinham in straight games to win the inaugural $10,000 Richmond Open on Sunday.

World No.21 Chinappa beat her 16th-ranked opponent 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 to bag her ninth Women’s Squash Association (WSA) tour title at the Country Club of Virginia. This was Joshna?s first victory over the top seed in their last six encounters.

Tournament spokesman Kristen Lange narrated the final. “Starting the first game, Grinham came out swinging, firing her way to a 6-2 lead – however Chinappa surged back through consistent play to level the game off at 6-6,” Lange said.

“From here it was a battle to 11, with the lead oscillating between the two players until a couple unfortunate mistakes gave Chinappa the first game,” he said.

Chinappa completely dominated the second game but Grinham put up a fight in the third. “The start of the third game was once again all Chinappa as she quickly sailed to an 8-2 lead. Never one to be counted out Grinham fought her way back to 8-8, however it was a case of too little too late as Grinham made three critical errors to give Joshana her first win over the courageous Australian,” Lange added.