PSA Masters Squash: Ghosal goes down fighting

The Indian challenge at the $152,000 Punj Lloyd PSA Masters squash tournament came to an end on Monday when Saurav Ghosal's run was cut short by second seed Amr Shabana.

The 30-year-old Egyptian, a four-time World champion, despite playing way below his best, was too good for the 23-year-old Indian, winning 11-6, 6-11, 11-5 and 12-10.

Ghosal, the highest-ranked Indian, at 31, gave a good account of himself after dropping the first game and had chances to take the match into a fifth.

However, despite leading, 4-2, 6-4, 7-6 and 9-8 at various stages of the fourth game, he allowed the veteran Egyptian to claw back on each occasion.

The match ended on an unfortunate note for the National champion as his opponent was awarded a stroke on match-ball.

Saurav's defeat meant Indian spectators won't have any more home players to root for with the business end of the tournament still left to play.

On Sunday, India's only other entrant, wildcard Ritwik Bhattacharya, lost in straight games to Englishman Alister Walker.

Bhattacharya, a five-time National champion and currently ranked 75th, was beaten 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 by the tenth seed.

Ghosal, who scored his biggest career-win in the opening round when he upset the Australian world No 15 Cameron Piley was, however, satisfied with his effort.

"I think I played pretty well considering it is really difficult to play Shabana," said Ghosal later, assessing his performance.

"It was great that I good stay on level terms with him for those four games as that will give me confidence for future matches."

Shabana's approach to the match, on the other hand, was quite callous.

He was seen trying out many variations perhaps fully aware that he won't get many opportunities to try them ahead as the tournament progresses into the stage where the players mean business.

However, the Egyptian was magnanimous in giving the Indian credit for stretching the game longer than expected.

"I knew Saurav will be difficult to beat, especially on his home turf," he said.

Shabana goes on to meet compatriot Mohammad El Shorbagy after the latter upset the sixth-seeded Englishman James Willstrop in a five-game thriller 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 5-11 and 13-11.

Another Egyptian, third seed Ramy Ashour, also advanced, scoring a facile 11-9, 11-8 and 1107 win over Australian Stewart Boswell.