Anaka eyes greater glory

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Anaka Alankamony is not one to rest on her laurels. After being crowned the queen of Asian junior squash, Anaka has already set her sights on the Worlds.

The 17-year-old Chennai girl, who worked her way into the elite club by winning the Asian junior championship in Amman last week, will be spearheading the Indian challenge at the world championship to be held in Boston, the United States, from July 20.

“Only Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal have won the Asian trophies before. So, I feel proud to emulate their feats. The victory has really boosted my confidence,” said the Indian Squash Academy trainee.

The triumph at the Jordan capital not only helped Anaka do the country proud, she also exacted a revenge on her nemesis Tsz Wing Tong. “I have never beaten the Hong Kong girl before. I was eagerly waiting for a chance especially after my defeat, at the hands of Tong, spoiled India’s title hopes at the Asian team event in Sri Lanka. I didn’t prepare well for the Lanka event with my board exam around the corner. So I was determined to put extra efforts ahead of the Asian event and I am happy that my dedicated hours of training at the Indian Squash Academy reaped rewards in Amman,” she added.

Anaka, who has been pitted against local girl Olivia Fletcher in the opener, has a tough draw at the Worlds. “My realistic target is to reach the pre-quarterfinal where I am slated to meet top seed Nour El Tayeb. The Egyptian has been in great form, but I am not going to give any freebie to her,” said Anaka.

American of Egyptian-origin Amanda Sobhy will be defending her title at home soil, while a clutch of Egyptians including Tayeb and former champion Nour El Sherbini looking to spoil Sobhy’s party.

Lakshya Raghavendran, Aprajitha Balamurugan, Saumya Karki and Ankita Sharma are the other Indians in the world championship draw.

After participating in the Commonwealth and Asian Games, studious Anaka took a break from Wispa Tour in December last year and that saw her ranking plummet out of top-100 from her career best of 59. Now that she has completed her schooling, Anaka is determined to concentrate more on the Tour. “First, I want to get back into top-60. With Indian Open and an array of challenger events lined-up, I am confident of doing it. I have been working hard to improve my fitness and drop shots. Winning the senior national championship is also high on my agenda,” concluded Anaka.