Ghoshal sets sights on CWG
Saurav Ghoshal turned 31 in August last year but his looks and brawny fitness do not give away his age. The blues from Commonwealth Games, Glasgow when he lost to then number 1 ranked Brit, James Willstrop, seem to have been washed away. And in April, Ghoshal could be featuring in his last CWG ever.
In an attempt to boost his chances, the world no. 14 has decided not to play men’s doubles and is focussing attention on singles and mixed doubles where he partners Dipika Pallikal. He said that the decision was made with an eye on the medals.
“I’m focusing pretty hard on the single and the mixed doubles with Dipika as well. The reason was basically was not just playing at the games but all the formats at once. To start practising two weeks before an event, the approach is different,” he said.
“Singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles takes a toll on the mind and body. Right now I’ll be focusing on 70 per cent on singles and 30 per cent on mixed doubles. If I was playing men’s doubles, it would be 40- 30- 30. Also I knew if I wanted to win medals, this was the best way to do it,” he added.
The 12- time national champion is here to play in the Indian Squash Open 2018 that carries a prize money of $ 35,000.
“It’s definitely better than taking a 12- hour flight to America,” said Ghosal, referring to not having a PSA event in the country in a long time.
After this tournament, he will play in the Windy City Open in Chicago ( February 22- 28) and Grasshopper ● In an attempt to boost his chances, the world no. 14 has decided not to play men’s doubles and is focussing attention on singles and mixed doubles where he partners Dipika Pallikal. He said that this decision was made with an eye on the medals.
● The 12- time national champion is set to play at the Indian Squash Open in Mumbai
Cup in Zurich ( March 1418) to find the right rhythm before the Commonwealth Games.
Some other top players in the main draw of the PSA event here apart from two Indians and world no. 233 Scot Lobban are Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller ( world no. 24), Egyptians Omar Mossad ( no. 22) and Karim Al Fathi, along with former national champion Harinder Pal Sandhu who has recovered from an injury and is ranked 49th.
Local lad Mahesh Mangaonkar will also start his road to the CWG as he looks to seal the spot of the third men’s player in the Indian contingent.