India's Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won the individual titles at the Asian Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Chinappa, the second seed, successfully defended her title, by beating the top seed Annie Au of Hong Kong 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6 in the final. Ghosal, the top seed and finalist last year, ensured there was no slip as he beat fourth seed Leo Au Chun Ming from Hong Kong in straight games 11-9, 11-2, 11-8.
The win has been particularly remarkable for Chinappa. In their previous meeting last month in the Macau Open, Annie had beaten her in straight games for her 12th win in 20 meetings between the two. In fact, not since the Hong Kong International Open in 2017 had Chinappa tasted success against the Hong Kong player.
"I thought I really played well in the final. I had lost to Annie few times prior to this. So I had come prepared, and the court and the conditions helped. More importantly I found the length and that was the key and yes I am very happy to defend the title," Chinappa said after the win.
Ghosal, on his part, meticulously worked his way to a convincing win. Except for the first and to some extent in the third game, there was little that the Hong Kong player could do in terms of a fight as Ghosal achieved his maiden title.
"Happy to win the Asian title for the first time. I had come close in the past but did not cross the line then. So it is hugely satisfying to finally win it for India. Overall a good week of squash for me squash wise. Great day for India and hopefully this will lead to further success in the near future," Ghosal said.
