Squash: Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa claim Asia's top spots

Indians made merry at the Asian Squash Championships in Kuala Lumpur by claiming the individual titles in both the men’s and women’s categories. Top-seeded and finalist in the previous edition Saurav Ghosal claimed the top spot in the men’s event while second-seeded Joshna Chinappa stood first in her respective event. This is the first time India won both the events at the Asian Championships. Ghosal edged past fourth-seeded Leo Au Chun Ming of Hong Kong 11-9, 11-2, 11-8 in straight sets. On the other hand, Chinappa also outclassed her opponent from Hong Kong Annie Au with scores of 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6. Annie, the top seed and having also defeated Chinappa last month in the Macau Open, it was sweet revenge for the Indian when in Malaysia. Joshna had lost a few matches to Annie before this, but she made sure that it was her day. The last time Joshna won against Annie was back in September 2017 during the Hong Kong International Open. Regarding her triumph and the final win, she said,

"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." Meanwhile, Saurav who won the Asian Championships for the first time, even though he was in touching distance in the past, was pleased with his performance. “Happy to win the Asian title for the first time. 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. Overall a good week of squash for me squash wise. Great day for India and hopefully this will lead to further success in the near future,” said Ghosal after the championship win.