Rhode Island Open QF: Trio Cause Upsets To Join Mohamed

India’s Akanksha Salunkhe, England’s Lucy Beecroft and the USA’s Marina Stefanoni all caused upsets to join top seed Farida Mohamed in the semi-finals of the Rhode Island Open.

Salunkhe and Stefanoni both took surprise wins on day two of the tournament, and the pair were at it again in the quarter finals, knocking out seeded players for the second day in succession.

The Indian overcame the challenge of England’s Grace Gear, despite going two games down. She lost the first game on a tie-break 17-15, before seeing the Englishwoman then double her advantage after clinching the second 11-9. From there, Salunkhe fought back, winning the third 11-5, before taking a tight fourth game 11-9 to stay in the contest. The fifth was comfortable for the Indian, who won it 11-2 to book her spot in the last four, where she will take on top seed Farida Mohamed.

USA’s Stefanoni got the better of Scotland’s Georgia Adderley on Friday, coming through their contest in four games. The pair were level after two games, but the American fought hard to win the third game 11-8, before then rounding out the victory in four, thanks to n 11-9 scoreline in the fourth game.

The American will now face No.7 seed Lucy Beecroft in the semi-finals after the World No.52 defeated compatriot Lucy Turmel in an all-English clash. Beecroft fell behind twice to the No.2 seed, but fought back to level on both occasions, before then winning the final game 11-4 to advance to the last four.

The semi-finals of the Rhode Island Open will take place on Saturday, November 12 at PVD Squash, with the last four doing battle to try and reach Sunday’s finals. You can keep up to date with live scores from the event here.

Quarter Final Results: Rhode Island Open
[1] Farida Mohamed (EGY) bt [6] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 15-13 (33m)
Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) bt [5] Grace Gear (ENG) 3-2: 15-17, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 (51m)
Marina Stefanoni (USA) bt [8] Georgia Adderley (SCO) 3-1: 11-4, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9 (54m)
[7] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) bt [2] Lucy Turmel (ENG) 3-2: 11-13, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 11-4 (67m)

Semi-Final Draw: To Be Played Saturday, November 12
[1] Farida Mohamed (EGY) v Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)
Marina Stefanoni (USA) v [7] Lucy Beecroft (ENG)