U.S. Open RD1: Asal Overcomes Tandon in Straight Games

Egypt’s World No.25 Mostafa Asal defeated India’s World No.49 Ramit Tandon in straight games to move through to the second round of the FS Investments U.S. Open Squash Championships in Philadelphia.

The two-time World Junior champion was in strong form in the opening two games to secure a healthy lead. Tandon, who took an injury break early in the second, looked as though he was finding his range in the third, however, as he took a 7-3 lead, before Asal had a resurgence in form to get himself back into the game and take a 8-7 lead.

The two players continued to trade points in the third with Tandon giving a stronger account of himself, however, it was the 18-year-old Egyptian who was able to see out the win and move into the second round of the first PSA World Tour Platinum event of the season.

Asal will face former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad in round two tomorrow.

“It’s unbelievable,” said the young Egyptian following his win.

“I’m trying to play my best squash and Ramit is a very good opponent, he is unbelievable.

“I want to thank every coach that has helped me in this performance. They are all here and I appreciate them a lot.

“The first two games were tough and in the third I was 7-3 down and I managed to come back. Playing against Ramit is tough, he is playing some really good squash and I’m happy to be in the second round and facing my partner in training, Karim Abdel Gawad.”

Result:
Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Ramit Tandon (IND) 3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 11-9 (42m)