Teenager Deepak Delivers In Chennai

Akshay Deepak, a 14-year-old trainee at the ICL Squash Academy who was playing in his first PSA Tour event, made it to the main draw of the 5th ICL Chennai Open - Circuit 2 after surviving today's qualifying finals.

Deepak, playing his characteristic unorthodox shots from all around the court, foxed his opponent Ali Miski from Lebanon on many occasions. After just 24 minutes, the youngster clinched the match 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5 - and will now face Indian compatriot Parthiban Ayappan, the No6 seed, in the first round.

The remaining qualifying slots at the ICL Squash Academy were taken by Egyptians - two of whom, Andrew Wagih Shoukry and Hitham Ashoush, are also celebrating their debuts in the main draw of a PSA Tour event.

Qualifying finals:
Andrew Wagih Shoukry (EGY) bt Max Lee (HKG) 11-8, 11-4, 11-3 (18m)
Akshay Deepak (IND) bt Ali Miski (LIB) 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5 (24m)
Mohd Sayed Mahmoud Aly (EGY) bt Ahmed Khalil (EGY) 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 (29m)
Hitham Ashoush (EGY) bt Cheng Yao Huang (TPE) 11-9, 11-7, 2-11, 8-11, 11-8 (41m)