Mahesh Maintains Indian Grip On Circuit Titles

A week after finishing as runner-up in the all-Indian final of the opening event on India's first professional squash circuit, local hero Mahesh Mangaonkar maintained home ownership of the men's titles after winning the JSW PSA Indian Circuit 2 in Mumbai.

Mumbai-born Mangaonkar, the second seed, made the final of the PSA Challenger 10 event at Juhu Ville Parle Gymkhana Club - his fifth PSA World Tour final of the year - after surviving a testing 91-minute semi against Shehab Essam Hosny, the No8 seed from Egypt.

By contrast his opponent Zahed Mohamed, the top seed from Egypt, reached the ninth final of his career without dropping a game.

"Mahesh was decidedly the crowd favourite in today's final of the second JSW Challenger tournament in Mumbai and he did not disappoint," reported Circuit Director Liesl Goecker. "His win in three straight sets over Zahed was not easy, though.

"Mohamed played some incredible squash that hinted of his higher ranking, even if Mangaonkar took the match."

Underdog Mangaonkar survived two tie-break games - saving a game-ball to win the second - before storming away in the third to secure his 14-12, 15-13, 11-4 title triumph after 52 minutes.

"I'm exhausted," admitted a relieved Mangaonkar afterwards. "I tried to push through since yesterday's match was so demanding, 91 minutes long.

"This morning when I got up, I was all stiff. But I just told myself, 'This is just another day of training' to take the pressure off," added the world No56. "I told myself to play freely, stick to your shots, and hang in there.

"I was tired in the second game, but I told myself, 'Keep pushing, one more, just keep pushing.' I'm happy I stayed hungry through the match."