Chinappa Returns to Defend Richmond Open Title

Joshana Chinappa (center) 2014 Richmond Open champion and this year's top seed with tournament directors Patrick Chifunda (L) and Winston Price (R)
Joshana Chinappa (center) 2014 Richmond Open champion and this year’s top seed with tournament directors Patrick Chifunda (L) and Winston Price (R)

The second annual women’s U.S. Pro Series Richmond Open, a Tour 10 event that offers a $10,000 purse prize, kicks off at the Country Club of Virginia in the commonwealth state’s capital this afternoon.

Defending champion Joshana Chinappa, India’s world No. 21, returns as top seed in the Richmond Open. In last year’s final, Chinappa bested then-top-seeded Rachael Grinham, Australia’s world No. 13, in three decisive games. Grinham has not returned to Richmond for revenge, but Chinappa will face competition from Welshwoman Tesni Evans, world No. 31 and second-seed, as well as Samantha Cornett, Canada’s world No. 32 and third seed.

WSA players arrive in Richmond for the tournament
WSA players arrive in Richmond for the tournament

In only its second year, the Richmond Open has drawn players from twelve countries—the most from Mexico at four players. The sole qualifying match will be played Tuesday evening at 5pm local time between France’s world N0. 131 Marie Stephan and world No. 151 Melissa Alves. Main draw play begins tomorrow, April 15, at 4:30pm.

See main draw with times here.

“This is the second year we have hosted this tournament and it has allowed Richmond to see squash in a whole new light,” Patrick Chifunda, one of the tournament directors, shared.

“Allowing the community to see professional women complete in such an amazing sport is motivating and inspiring,” Chifunda continued. “Richmond is a close-nit community, and it is wonderful to see how people join together to make a tournament like the Richmond Open possible.”

For more information, visit the official Richmond Open tournament page.