Kolkata:
Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa reigned supreme, winning the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the 60th National Squash Championship here on Sunday. The world number 11 Ghosal faced little resistance from second seed Harinder Pal Sandhu to wrap the issue 11-5 11-4 11-3 in 33 minutes.
Playing in front of a packed home support, Ghosal was quick to get into the groove as he had a commanding 7-2 lead before clinching the first set.
The second set was no different, while in the third Ghosal showed his class and superb ball control taking nine points on the trot for his seventh straight and eight overall senior national title.
“It was great to win my eighth title at the same place where I had won my first,” the world number 21 said.
He also gave credit to Sandhu and said, “The scoreline might suggest otherwise but it was a tough match honestly. He (Sandhu) has really improved a lot and its good time for the Indian squash.”
Ghosal is hopeful that squash gets a place in the 2020 Olympics.
“There is a strong bid for squash in the 2020 Olympics..I am following the updates regularly,” he said.
In the women’s section, Joshna Chinappa prevailed upon promising Anaka Alankamony, the reigning Asian Junior champion, 11-7 11-4 11-8 in 25 minutes.
Ananka led 6-4 but Joshna was quick to get into the act taking four straight points before taking the first set. The youngster was no match to the world number 31 in the second set, while in the third she gave some fight trailing 8-9 but Joshna showed fine ball control to take two points and clinch the title.
source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Press Trust of India / December 23rd, 2012