CHENNAI: It was a red-letter day for Indian squash as Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa emerged champions in the men’s and women’s sections respectively in the Asian Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
An occasion that was missed in Chennai two years ago became a glorious reality in Malaysia when in the finals, first Joshna, the second seed, successfully defended her title beating the top seed Annie Au of Hong Kong 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6.
Soon after further joy came when Saurav, the top seed and last year’s finalist, ensured there was no slip this time when he downed the fourth seed Leo Au Chun Ming, also from Hong Kong, 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.
It was one of Joshna’s most memorable matches. Only last month in the Macau Open Annie had beaten her in straight games for her 12th win in 20 meetings the two had till then. In fact, not since September 2017 in the Hong Kong International Open has Joshna tasted success against the Hong Kong player.
“I thought, I really played well, in the final. I had lost to Annie a few times prior to this. So, I had come prepared, and the court and the conditions helped. More importantly, I found the length and that was the key and yes am very happy to defend the title,” said Joshna.
Saurav was equally upbeat after winning his first Asian title. “I had come close in the past but did not cross the line then. So it is hugely satisfying to finally win it for India. It’s a great day for Indian squash. Hopefully, this will lead to further success in the near future,” he said.
