Mahesh wins British Junior Open squash title

Sheffield, Jan 7 (IANS) Mahesh Mangaonkar became the third Indian boy to win the British Junior Open squash title after he defeated Oliver Holland from England in four games. Two other Indian finalists, Kush Kumar and Dipika Pallikal, lost.

In the past, Anil Nayar and Saurav Ghosal had won the Drysdale Cup (Boys under 19 title) while Mahesh became the first Indian to win the boys under-15 category.

Mahesh played a terrific game, and though he dropped the third set to his English opponent, he managed to get back and emerge the champion.

Aggressive shots to the front were his forte and Oliver did not have an answer to his shots, making errors frequently.

Kush Kumar, on the other hand, ended his dream run in the tournament as the runner-up to Amr Aboul Souad from Egypt in the boys under-13 section. But his stroke play and tactics on court left almost everyone in awe.

Kush had the match in his grasp when he was leading 2-1 in games and 7-3 in the fourth. But it was not to be. Kush got defensive and seemed to be under pressure.

There was no looking back for Souad as he raced to a 5-2 lead in the decider and although Kush clawed his way back, it was too late.

Dipika went down in the girls under-19 final against Wee Wern Low from Malaysia. Wee was consistent and frustrated Dipika with her tight length. Dipika pulled back in the third game but was unable to hold on in the fourth, going down in 42 minutes.

Results (all finals):

Boys Under-15: Mahesh Mangaonkar bt Oliver Holland (Eng) 11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 12-10 (40m).

Boys Under-13: Kush Kumar lost to Amr Aboul Souad (Egy) 7-11, 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 7-11 (41m)

Girls Under-19: Dipika Pallikal lost to Wee Wern Low (Mal) 2-11, 8-11, 11-8, 8-11 (42m).