Dipika, Ghosal, crash out from Asian Squash championship

Chennai: World Number One Nicol David dished out an impeccable error free game to make the final beating Dipika Pallikal of India 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 in the semifinal of the 15th Asian Squash (Men and Women)Championship. The Malaysians are just a step away from retaining both the men and women titles, as Mohd Azlan Iskander, defending champion, is taking on Amir Atlas Khan of Pakistan in the final, while David will play Rebacca Chiu in the women`s section tomorrow evening.India’s Saurav Ghosal, world no 27,went down fighting to defending champion,Iskander (rank-18) of Malaysia 11-5,11-6, 11-5. In the other semifinal,Atlas Khan required just 31 minutes to dispose of compatriot Yasir Ali Butt 11-6, 11-7, 11-0. Ghosal displayed superior play with variety of shots and came up with winners with superb shot selections but the more experienced Iskander was equal to the task.The rivals were on equal terms initially in all the three games and midway Ghosal started arguing with the Referee. Perhaps, Ghosal was right in his claim for a stroke once in the second game but he was arguing for almost all calls than analyzing the shots he had played. However, Ghosal should be credited for his fighting qualities and the manner in which he rattled a senior pro like Iskander before losing. PTI