Date:29/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/29/stories/2008072960751900.htm

Sport - Squash

Indian juniors begin well

CHENNAI: The Indians made a good start to their campaign in the World junior squash championships at Zurich, Switzerland.

Fifteen-year-old Abhishek Pradhan, who got a walkover in the first round, beat England’s Oliver Holland 9-5, 9-5, 9-5 in the next round.

Karan Malik after a 9-4, 9-4, 9-2 win over Luke Sims of Australia got past Adam Perkiomaki of the USA. Ramit Tandon faced a tough proposition against Egypt’s Ahmed El Mehelmy and lost the way after a brief fight.

Mahesh Mangaonkar, the contingent’s youngest member at 14 years, had a walkover to start with and then handled Ryan McConvey of the Cayman Islands easily.

Commenting on the show, SRFI consultant coach, Maj. Maniam said “looking at what is on display here I’m convinced a top-four position for India is definitely on the cards in 2010.”

Indian results:

Second round: Karan Malik bt Adam Perkiomaki (USA) 9-5, 9-6, 9-5; Mahesh Mangaonkar bt Ryan Mcconvey (Cay) 9-2, 9-4, 9-0; Abishek Pradhan bt Oliver Holland (Eng) 9-5, 9-5, 9-5.

First round: Karan Malik bt Luke Sims (Aus) 9-4, 9-4, 9-2; Mahesh Mangaonkar w/o Shedara Femi (Ngr); Abishek Pradhan (Ind) w/o Alain Mudeen (Cay); Ramit Tandon lost to Ahmed El Mehelmy (Egy) 9-6, 9-7, 9-1. — Special Correspondent