Deepika has moved a place up to 14th in the women's world rankings last week. She is under training in Australia with coach and five-time World Champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

Deepika Palikal was the lone crusader at the inaugural Under 21 world cup squash championship at the Express Mall in Chennai on Sunday. In the match between top seeded Egypt and India, the experts invaded the hosts, with 2-1 win. Deepika outshone in her match against Nour El Sherbini, by saving seven match points and going on to win the duel.

But early losses in the form of Ravi Dixit and Ramit Tandon led down the spirit of the host fans at the venue. Ravi Dixit lost to Marwan Hossam El Shorbagy 4-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7 while Ramit Tandon lost to Karim Samy Abdel Gawad 12-10, 11-4, 6-11, 11-8.

The debacle made the hosts settle with the runner up title. But contrary to the men, Deepika pulled a fantastic win over her opponent with conventional game points 7-11, 11-4, 8-11, 14-12, 11-5. The 8000 odd fans at the stadium were all cheers for the young girl and she thanked one and all of the spectators in her post match chat.             (With inputs from internet: AarKay)