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 No. 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 No.8 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 No.56. "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.”
