Aditya Jagtap emerge JVPG men’s champ

Aditya Jagtap won the men’s open crown, while junior Arjun Somani earned a double, in the JVPG-SYSKA Open Squash Tournament, at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana.

Jagtap sailed past former Asian team gold and India under-19 world championship bronze winner Abhishek Pradhan 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 in a 35minute championship round to pick up his third straight title of the season after winning theOtters Open and Maharashtra State Open recently.

Young Arjun Somani announced his arrival on the circuit as he lived up to his reputation as top seed in both categories to bag the boys’ under11 and under-13 titles following impressive victories.

While Jagtap and Somani dominated their opponents, boys under-23 top seed Sandeep Paswan of Jindal was taken the distance before rallying to an exciting 5-11, 11-8, 117, 7-11, 11-8 win over fourth seed Anshul Goyal after being forced into the decider with a 2-1 lead.

Former national champion and top seed Manish Chotrani of Khar Gymkhana also endured a determined challenge from the never-say-die Amitpal Singh Kohli before snatching a thrilling 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 1214, 11-8 win after dropping the crucial fourth game over extra points in the men’s over-35 final. Abhishek Pradhan later made amends by winning the doubles open with Abhishek Agarwal, while Virendra Pawar and Anshul Goyal won the doubles handicap title.

The other title winners were, Purav Rambhia (mixed under9), Aarya Belsare (girls under13) and Avinash Yadav.