Lakshya Ragavendran clinched the issue for the sixth seed India after twice coming from behind to overcome Kiwi Rebecca Barnett in the decider on the final day of the biennial World Squash Federation event which featured more than 160 players from a record 37 nations.
Indian girls found the perfect way to bury the ghosts of Friday's tight loss against Canada, edging a close and well-fought tie against the eighth seed New Zealand in the final game of the decider.
Sachika Ingale was stung by an incredible turn-around from Abbie Palmer but Harshit and Lakshya ensured there was no repeat of the previous match in sealing a decisive win for the Indians.
Sachika was first up on court against Abbie Palmer.
She dominated the exchanges from the word go and hardly conceded a point to the Kiwi youngster.
Sachika bagged the first two games for the loss of just five points and looked set for an easy win. Palmer, who has been lethargic in the first two games, responded to the dire situation with gusto, running down everything and playing some exceptional shots to win the third game and get herself a foothold in the match.
Sachika took a 5-2 lead in the fourth but that was as good as it got for the Indian No.3 as Palmer saved her best for the last and left the Indian shell-shocked in stealing the match 3-2. Palmer only dropped three points in the final game that put New Zealand 1-0 up in the tie.
India's top junior, Harshit Kaur once again demonstrated her growing maturity in using short kills and drops to make the lanky Eleanor bend for her shots and stretched the Kiwi to all corners of the court.
Harshit's tactics paid rich dividends as she raced away to a two game lead. But, Eleanore came back strongly with some excellent drops of her own in the third and reduced the deficit. In a closely fought fourth game, the scores were tied at 8-8 and Harshit held her nerve to close out the match and draw India level with New Zealand.
Lakshya took on the mantle of closing out the match against Rebecca Barnett. It was not a great start for Lakshya, losing the first game 9-11 to 2012 New Zealand Junior Open Champion. Lakshya found herself trailing in the second game as well and was in serious danger of going 0-2 down but clawed back and snatched the game 16-14.
She had a 10-5 lead in the third but frittered away the advantage as Rebecca reeled off seven points in a row to take the game. Lakshya struggled to keep the lead once again in the fourth game but somehow held on to win 12-10 and set-up an intriguing decider.
The final game proved to be a real humdinger with the momentum switching sides, setting up an exciting climax for both the teams.
Lakshya led 5-2 only for Rebecca to reel off 5 points on the bounce taking a 7-5 lead. The scores were level at 9-9 and the tie came down to a battle of wills. Where Sachika faltered against Canada yesterday, Lakshya clearly learned the lessons and won the next two points to clinch the match and tie for India.
Result: India 2-1 New Zealand
Sachika Ingale lost to Abbie Palmer 11-4 11-1 5-11 9-11 3-11 Harshit Kaur Jawanda beat Eleanore Epke 11-6 11-5 4-11 11-8 Lakshya Ragavendran beat Rebecca Barnett 9-11 16-14 10-12 12-10 11-9.
India finish seventh in World Junior Squash Championships
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