Channel VAS RD2: Ghosal on Fire Against Richards to Reach Quarters

India’s World No.11 Saurav Ghosal produced an immaculate display of squash to advance to the last eight of the Channel VAS Championships at St. George’s Hill in Weybridge, London at the expense of local favourite Tom Richards.

Ghosal got off to a quickfire start as his showcased his speed and agility to race into a 6-0 lead, eventually taking the first game for the loss of just three points.

Richards, who practices at the St. George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club where the tournament is being held, produced some good shots in the second to make it a bit of a closer match much to the delight of the full crowd who had turned out to cheer on their local favourite.

Ultimately though Ghosal was just too good in the end as his exquisite display of speed and accuracy showed no signs of slowing down to claim an 11-3, 11-5, 11-5 victory in 37 minutes.

“WHAT A RALLY!”

Some exquisite squash on show from @SauravGhosal and @TomRichards86 at the @CVASsquash #Squash pic.twitter.com/ss6V4pBPFH

— PSA World Tour (@PSAWorldTour) November 20, 2019

“I think it’s about small adjustments, more increments mentally about believing against the top guys,” said Ghosal afterwards.

“Obviously to get up higher you have to beat the top five and the top eight, not once or twice but consistently. I think it’s about believing at crucial points in the match and getting there and being mentally tough – hopefully it will come for me soon and I will keep doing everything I can, I’m trying my best and hopefully it happens for me soon.

“He can fire shots from anywhere in the court, he’s got a good racket on him and also good shots, so I was trying to keep it away from the middle, use the four corners, as deep as I could.

“I think I did pretty well with my game plan, but against a player like him playing in his adopted club, you have got to be wary about him going to come out and play out of his skin, so I tried to stay as focused as I could. But I’m happy with a good length and depth, and happy to take it 3-0.”

Result:
[7] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Tom Richards (ENG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-5, 11-5 (37m)