Arman, Ashita lift Indian Open crowns

Second seed Ashita Pranaya Bhengra (India) and top seed Arman Jindal (USA) recorded contrasting wins in the girls’ and boys’ Under-19 finals respectively to clinch the top honours in the Bombay Gymkhana organised 9th Indian Junior Open Squash tournament, an Asian Squash Federation Platinum tournament and a 5-star tournament on the Indian Junior squash circuit.

In the girls’ final, the Chennai-based Bhengra breezed past top seed Sanika Choudhari (India) in three games with a degree of comfort. Bhengra produced some solid strokes and clever change of pace to outwit her Maharashtra opponent Choudhari and race to a 11-1, 11-7, 11-5 win to emerge champion.

On the other hand, Jindal was made to work extra hard by 3-4th seed Vikas Mehra (India) before clinching victory in five absorbing games. The US player managed to hold his cool and composure to seal a 12-10, 11-7, 11-13, 5-11, 11-7 win.

In the Girls’ Under-17 finals, top seed Amita Gondi (USA) defeated second seed Sanya Vats (India) 13-11, 11-9, 11-8, while top seed Saksham Choudhary (India) overcame second seed Tushar Shahani (India) 11-5, 11-8, 5-11, 11-7 to win the Boys’ Under-17 title.

Both Bhengra and Jindal were presented with the Under-19 champions’ Trophies and cheques of Rs 31,680 each. Gondi and Choudhary received the winner’s Trophies cheques of Rs 23,040 each.