Asian Games: Joshna Chinappa faces early exit after shock defeat to Korean player
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Renowned Indian squash player Joshna Chinappa faced an unexpected exit from the women's singles event at the 2023 Asian Games, losing 1-3 to South Korea's Heo Mingyeong in the pre-quarterfinals.
Despite being a medal favorite, the 37-year-old athlete couldn't secure victory. She lost with scores of 4-11, 12-10, 9-11, 8-11 in a match that lasted 37 minutes.
Heo Mingyeong is ranked 158th.
Joshna Chinappa had received a first-round bye and entered the competition with high hopes. Her previous achievements included winning a singles bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games, as well as two silvers and two bronzes in team events at the Asian Games.
In recent times, injuries and a lack of game time have affected Joshna's world rankings, dropping her as low as 70th. Despite her remarkable career, the Asian Games competition proved challenging, resulting in an unexpected early exit.
Another Indian squash player, Tanvi Khanna, advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominant performance, defeating Arichaya Chujit of Thailand with scores of 11-1, 11-3, and 11-2.
In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh continued their successful run, defeating Thailand's Anantana Prasertratanakul and Arkaradet Arkarahirunya with scores of 11-5, 11-6. Their victory placed them at the top of Group D, enhancing their chances of reaching the quarterfinals.