CHENNAI: While the lady duo of Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal stole the show on Saturday, Saurav Ghosal too scripted history as he became the first Indian man to reach the Asian Squash Championship final. He beat Leo Au of Hong Kong in straight sets to set up a clash with Max Lee of Hong Kong, the top seed.
Saurav looked confident and he barely had a worrying moment. However, the man from Kolkata denied that. “Just because I won, it doesn’t mean it was easy. Au was brilliant. All players who faced me were excellent. I just feel that I executed my techniques as per plan and I am happy that I have reached the final,” the second seed said.
Max and Saurav have faced each other, but not in the recent past. Both have evolved and their game and methods are different. “That is going to matter. We have different styles and even the smallest of things like conditions and the week that you are playing can affect your game. He is a top player and it’s going to be tough,” added the 30-year-old.
With one of Joshna or Dipika to get a gold medal, there is focus and pressure on Saurav. But he seems relaxed. “Obviously, I would like to win. That’s the idea. I will try my best. Like I said before, if I can execute my plans, there won’t be much problem.”
Contract renewal?
With just two more months left on Egyptian coach Achraf el Karagui’s contract, talks of extending his tenure has been doing the rounds. “I am very happy with developments here. If given a chance, I will definitely like to be back. We are talking about a possible extension. But nothing is official yet,” the Egyptian said.