Ornano Open: Saurav Ghosal wins biggest career title

Giant-killer Saurav Ghosal notched up the biggest title of his career by winning the inaugural Ornano International Open, stunning third seed Davide Bianchetti in the final of the $ 15,000 PSA Tour squash event in Bordeaux.

The sixth seeded Ghosal shocked Italian Bianchetti 11-6, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9 in the finals to secure the fourth and the biggest PSA Tour title of his career.

"I entered my name in the tournament because I wanted to see France, a place I have never been to. I didn't care about the draw. I knew I was facing some really tough players but I have been playing pretty okay for a while," a beaming Ghosal told PTI.

"To win such a big tournament after beating players who are ranked above me is certainly very special. All the hard work that I have put in is finally paying off," he added.

The win in the final was the 22-year-old's third successive upset in the event.

The reigning national champion made his breakthrough in the quarterfinals when he toppled top seed Renan Lavigne in four games, dashing hopes of the local success in the event.

In the semi-finals, Ghosal overcame fifth seeded Egyptian Amr Swelim in a thrilling five-gamer.

Celebrating his sixth appearance in a PSA Tour final, the four-time national champion faced third seed Bianchetti, the world number 30 from Italy and a veteran of 18 final appearances.

The pair last met in June 2006 but Ghosal lost 1-3 in that match.

"I was better prepared and I had the speed advantage. Davide is not the fastest on the court and I used my speed well. But he raised the bar in the third game when I was too excited," Ghosal said.

"The fourth game was also very tight but I just remained calm and managed to pull it off. I am very happy because it is good build up for the World Open next month," he added.

Ghosal credited his improved fitness and game to his British coach Malcolm Wilstrop, who has been with him for the past three years.

"My game is better now and so is my fitness. I am play a more attacking game now and placing has improved. The credit for this goes to Malcolm. He has been with me and we have trained really hard," he said.

National coach Cyrus Poncha also hailed Ghosal's triumph.

"It truly is a great achievement by Saurav," said Poncha. "On the way to his title he defeated three seeded players ranked higher than him, including world number 27 Renan Lavigne," he said.

"Saurav is playing his first year of 'full time squash' (after graduation) and he will improve rapidly," he added.