CIB Black Ball Open: Perry Through After Downing Chinappa

British No.1 Sarah-Jane Perry is safely through to the quarter-finals of the CIB Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo after overcoming a tricky challenge from World No.11 Joshna Chinappa, beating the Indian No.1 in four games.

It was an immaculate start from the Englishwoman, as she won the first four points of the match, and was able to maintain control of the first game throughout, taking it 11-7. She then had the second under control as well, but Chinappa saved five game balls, coming back from 10-6 down to take it 14-12.

From there, though, Perry regained control, and allowed the Indian No.1 to score just seven points across the next two games, winning out 11-2 and 11-5 to seal her spot in the last eight of the PSA World Tour Gold level event.

“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,” Perry said.

“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 balll 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!”

Result
[5] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [10] Joshna Chinappa (IND) 3-1: 11-7, 12-14, 11-2, 11-5 (41m)