Ritwik picks first title on PSA circuit

National champion Ritwik Bhattacharya became the first Indian to win a title on the Professional Squash Association circuit when he beat Philip Baker of England 15-5, 7-15 15-10, 9-15, 15-4 in the final of the Whakatane Open in New Zealand on Monday.

The Delhi-based Ritwik, who is ranked 91 at present, is likely to break into the top 70 following the triumph.

The 23-year-old top seed had beaten another Englishman Ashley Flathers 15-4, 15-11, 15-12 in the semi-finals and South Africa's John Ashley Abrahams 15-8, 15-11, 10-15, 15-7 in the quarter-finals.

Ritwik will next play at the Royal Oak Open in Auckland and in Christchurch in next two weeks.

Details:

Final:
Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt Phillip Barker (ENG) 15-5, 7-15, 15-10, 9-15, 15-4

Semi-finals:
Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt Ashley Flathers (ENG) 15-4, 15-11, 15-12

Quarter-finals:
Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt John Ashley Abrahamse (RSA) 15-8, 15-11, 10-15, 15-7

2nd round:
Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt Khaled Elebrashy (EGY) 15-7, 15-5, 15-0

1st round:
Ritwik Bhattacharya (IND) bt Josh Greenfield (NZL) 15-14, 15-5, 15-9