Dipika Pallikal's dream of winning the World Junior Squash Championship title went up in smokes after the Indian suffered a 13-15, 9-11, 9-11 defeat at the hands of fourth seed Nour El Tayeb of Egypt in the semi-final at Cologne, Germany on Monday.
For the 18-year-old Dipika, who is currently ranked 40 in WISPA, this was the last opportunity to clinch the title as she turns 19 later in September.
Dipika, who had comprehensively beaten by another Egyptian Kanzy El Dafrawy to enter the final-four, put up spirited fight but failed to fetch some important points during the semi-final.
After winning the first game, Tayeb grew in confidence and dismantled Dipika's plan by showing maturity in shot selection in the remainder of the match.
However, both Dipika and Tayeb often made good use of their front court play.
Meanwhile, top seed Nour El Sherbini of Egypt went down to American Amanda Sobhy 10-12, 12-14, 9-11 in the other semi-final.
Dipika and Sherbini finished third and fourth respectively.
Another Indian Anaka Alankamony will play for the seventh position, while Anwesha Reddy and Aparajitha Balamurukan will take on each other for the 17th spot.
