Saurav Ghosal made squash history in extraordinary fashion as he won an exhilarating men's final against Harinder Pal Sandhu in the Senior National squash championship at Otters Club in Mumbai yesterday.
<img title="Dipika Pallikal (left) and Saurav Ghosal receive the winners' trophies from Otters Club president Mustafa Arsiwala (centre) yesterday" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2016/jul/18Dipika-Pallikal-1.jpg" alt="Dipika Pallikal (left) and Saurav Ghosal receive the winners' trophies from Otters Club president Mustafa Arsiwala (centre) yesterday" /> Dipika Pallikal (left) and Saurav Ghosal receive the winners' trophies from Otters Club president Mustafa Arsiwala (centre) yesterday
Earlier, second seed Dipika Pallikal stunned top seed and Joshna Chinappa 4-11, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8.
Dipika played some scintillating squash to win three games on the trot and bag the title. This was Dipika's second title win.
Saurav had to overcame a 1-2 deficit as he triumphed in a 88 minute final. The scores were 11-7, 7-11, 3-11, 11-8, 14-12. Ghosal thus broke a 60-year record. Narpat Singh had won 10 titles and now Saurav stands alone with 11 titles.
"It is a fantastic achievement. There is no doubting it. But I would rather be in the Top 5 in the world than win 20 national titles," the relieved champion said later.
He paid fulsome tribute to his gallant opponent. "It could have easily been Harinder in the end. Just a few points separated us. He is always at his best against me," chuckled Saurav.
The final was of the highest quality as both players played out of their skin. Harinder was especially strong in the forecourt.
He often scored with backhand volleys and nicks. Saurav kept the ball to a length and tried to wear down his opponent. Harinder looked to have the upper hand when he led 2-1.
Saurav fought back to level the final and in the decider looked all set to sew up the title as he led 10-7, but the fighting Sikh came storming back to save all three match balls with winners.
He then had a match ball of his own, but Saurav finally sealed the match with an unplayable stroke.

Saurav Ghosal made squash history as he won men's final against Harinder Pal Sandhu in the Senior National squash championship; Dipika beats friend&nbsp;Joshna Chinappa are beaten for respective National titles

Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal on the prowl at Otters Club

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Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal on the prowl at Otters Club

Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal on the prowl at Otters Club

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