Vanessa Raj through quarter-final of Richmond Open

National upcoming women squash player, Vanessa Raj advanced into the quarter-final of the 2015 Richmond Open held at the Country Club of Virginia in Virginia, United States.

The 19-year old petite Penangite who was the fifth seed, easily dispatched Mexican player, Reyna Pacheco 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 in straight sets in the opening encounter, early today, as quoted in the tournament website; www.squashsite.co.uk.

Vanessa however, will be facing an uphill task against third seed, Misaki Kobayashi of Japan in her quarter-final match, later today.

Kobayashi booked her place in the next round after demolishing Canadian player Melina Turk 11-1, 11-2, 11-4 in another opening round encounter.

Another Malaysian Nabilla Ariffin however, failed to march further in the US$10,000 (RM36,581) tournament after losing 4-11, 3-11, 9-11 to seventh seed, Catalina Pelaez of Colombia.

Based on the tournament format, winners on the opening round will move straight into the quarter-final stage.