Dipika Pallikal clears first hurdle at NY tourney

Yesterday, World No 15 Dipika defeated her 52nd-ranked opponent in straight sets 11-8, 11-5, 11-3. She takes on local hope Latasha Khan for a place in the main draw of the $50,000 tournament. Latasha edged out Egypt’s Kanzy El Dafrawy 8-11, 11-8, 14-12, 7-11, 11-8 in another qualifying match.

u00a0“I tried twisting her and putting in cross courts. It worked and she making errors at crucial points,” said Dipika.