Five-time finalists and two-time defending champions Egypt successfully retained their title defeating hosts USA, making their first-ever World Squash Team Final appearance, 2-1 on Saturday night at the Murr Center in Harvard University.
Sixth seeds Hong Kong took the advantage when Aparajitha Balamurukan lost 9-11, 9-11, 14-12, 8-11 to Choi Uen Shan in 36 minutes. Indian nerves were settled when Asian Junior Champion Anaka Alankamony put in an assured performance to demolish Ka-Yi Lee 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 in 20 minutes.
However, Ho Tze-Lok put paid to any hopes that the third seed Indians harboured after beating Saumya Karki 4-11, 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8 in a thrilling 46-minute battle. Saumya kept the tempo for the entire duration but failed to seal the victory for India.
Published 31 July 2011, 15:36 IST