Salunkhe clinches Iran Junior Open squash title

Salunkhe, who is ranked No 3 in India, defeated Kuwait's Kimiya 11-1 11-5 11-4 to win the Asian Junior Super Series event, categorised as a Silver Event, at the Enghelab Sports Complex last night.

The Goa Naval school girl defeated Kimiya Farah in the first round, winning 11-1 11-0 11-1 before accounting for Muscat's Nurinha 11-3 11-2 11-1 in a second-round clash.

In the quarters, Salunkhe, the only Indian in the event, put paid to the hopes of Mubeen of Kish Island 11-5 11-4 11-1 and then squeezed past Kazol Sharafu from the host nation, 11-6 11-4 11-9 in the semifinals.

Salunkhe, runner-up in the Scottish Open and fifth in the Chennai Open, did not drop a game in the entire tournament.