Date:22/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/22/stories/2007112263302100.htm

Sport - Squash

Saurav to spearhead Indian challenge

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: National champion and the highest-ranked Indian in the professional squash circuit at 49, Saurav Ghosal, will spearhead India’s challenge in the World men’s team championship scheduled to be held at the ICL academy courts from December 6 to 12.

The Indian team decided on the performance in the domestic and international tournaments this year includes besides Saurav, Ritwik Bhattacharya (world ranking 72), Siddharth Suchde (149) and Gaurav Nandrajog (141). Promising player Harinderpal Singh Sandhu has been placed in the reserve.

Busy season

Saurav had a busy time this year, having played in 11 Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournaments, including one in Chennai where he won. He had also qualified for the main draw in the Hong Kong Open, British Open and the Tournament of Champions in 2007. He will be taking part in the World individual championship in Bermuda before flying out here.

Ritwik is slowly getting into top gear after being out of action with a knee injury. He had good performances in Malaysia and Hong Kong this month. Siddarth, a Harvard graduate and a serious student of the game, has been progressing up the PSA rank. From 344 in September he has come up to 149 now, an indication of his ability to keep improving. Gaurav has played in three PSA closed satellite events, meant for national players and won all of them.

India had finished 11th on the last occasion in Pakistan. The expectations are high for a better finish this time around.