So today, an Indian champion from Kolkata, arguably the best the country has produced will pick up his racquet to play a tournament final against a fan favorite and the best ever in his sport produced by the paradise country - Switzerland. Before people start scratching their head wondering where on earth is Leander Paes playing Roger Federer in a singles finals today, allow me to submit that the matchup being referred to here is the next best thing possible, and definitely one that's a lot more evenly matched contest ! :)
Squash is back to its new swanky home in India -the lush green lawns at the CCI, Mumbai. For a city that's woefully deprived of high quality sports action , this annual stop by the stars of the squash world is a breath of real fresh air! And this, the 2nd edition of the tourney has added lot more cheer to the Indian public when compared to the inaugural edition. After a flurry of great contests and joyful upsets on the way, the grand finale is set up with Saurav Ghosal locking horns with the Swiss charmer Nicolas Mueller later in the day today. The semis yesterday saw plenty of skills, technique & tenacity on display with all 4 semi finalists giving it their best.
Mueller got the better of the tournament giant killer - Ramit Tandon. This young indian had given it his all to upset the top seed Spainiard Borja Golan in the quarters and was unfortunate to be carrying a hip niggle into the semis. Injury breaks and multiple stretches though did not dampen the fight in the young man who gave it his all and gritted through the match, despite the experience and skills of the Swiss man being an obvious bridge too far for the Indian to handle on the day.
The 2nd semis was the marquee matchup of the day ( probably of the tournament). The indian No.1 Saurav Ghosal, in a rich vein of form off late up against Mr.'Hammer Of Thor' - the towering Egyptian - Omar Mosaad.
Did hear atleast a couple of remarks from the regular 'squashers' around me on the height difference and the imposing challenge that the Egyptian posed. And true to the thoughts, game 1 went by the looks,- the tall guy steamrolling the Indian. The little BIG guy from Kolkata though, showed the power of the blue patch that he's experiencing for the past couple of months, rattling of the next 3 games to win the match. It was a contest that was a test of mental toughness as much as one of skills. With plenty of ref calls being contested, the Egyptian brought out a number of gasps from the audience courtesy his raw power ! The power incredibly going up few more notches in the rally immediately after a heated argument with the refs. The marker, meanwhile was playing with fire going absent minded on atleast 2 occasions and incorrectly calling out the score further fuelling the egyptian's fury! Amidst all this, Ghosal's game was a testament to his experience and focus as he continued to do what he can do best to ensure his path to the finals.
Few points though struck a clear chord through the day while watching the matches. One being the undoubtable brotherhood that exists between the players. A game that by design demands playing it tough, contesting calls and flaring tempers is bound by guys who have genuine respect for one another. Right from the toss upto each point during the game theres a clear trust between the players to take calls that is fair. Plenty of moments stand out - Both the semi victors gushing in praise of the vanquished quoting the past wins and achievements, the loser conceeding a point won even at match point and the winner specifically calling that out later asking for the crowd to cheer the spirit shown by the loser then, the no airs bonhomie shown by the Indians - Saurav & Harinder to guide their younger mate through the semis even when saurav had his own tough contest to prepare for.
Final point though will be on the sport itself. To the casual eye, this is a sport that looks a bit of a drudgery at times, a little low on variation perhaps and a test largely of stamina. That was honestly my impression till probably a year and half back. Once you live the game though and watch a few high profile contests from close quarters, one realises that this is a game of infinite possibilities - a genuine contest that thrives on skills, precision, patience, power, mental fortitude and of course superior fitness being an unalterable must-have in order to succeed!
With Indians doing so well in the sport and the buzz among the young kids being an obvious one to see, wishing that we see the emergence of many more young champs in the sport and also plenty more such avenues like the CCI Open for the champs to display their skills to an audience willing to lap 'em all up ! 👍👍
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