Abhishek Pradhan, Arjun Somani in line for a double
Top seed in both categories, Arjun Somani also remained in line for a double by advancing to the boys under-11 and under-13 finals.
Unseeded Abhishek Pradhan shocked second seed Sandeep Jangra of Indian Air Force, Delhi to storm into the men’s open final, in the JVPG-SYSKA Open Squash Tournament, at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana on Monday.
Former Asian team gold and India under-19 world championship bronze winner Pradhan rallied from the loss of a tight opening game to cruise to an impressive 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 win over Otters Open runner-up Jangra, and remained on course for a double when he sealed his place in the doubles open final.
Pradhan set up the championship round against top seed Aditya Jagtap who halted Rahul Baitha in straight games and will be seeking his third successive title after winning the Otters Open and Maharashtra State Open recently.
Top seed in both categories, Arjun Somani also remained in line for a double by advancing to the boys under-11 and under-13 finals.
Third seed Tanya Bafna endured a gruelling five-setter before overcoming the spirited challenge of unseeded Ira Kulkarni 9-11, 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-8 in a thriller to set up the girls under-13 title round against second seed Aaryaa Belsare.
Top seed Ishaan Dabke and second seed Purav Rambhia lived up to their reputations by entering the mixed under-9 final but not before Rambhia was forced to labour to a 12-10, 8-11, 3-11, 11-5, 11-5 win over fourth seed Krishiv Gupta.