Ghosal in squash final, bronze for Dipika

Top seed Saurav Ghosal stormed into the final of the men's singles event at the 17th Asian Games here Monday and ensured India a sure silver or a possible gold medal in the squash competition.

Whichever the medal, Ghosal, who overcame Malaysian Ong Beng Hee 11-9, 11-4, 11-5 in the semifinals, will have the distinction of being the first Indian squash player to achieve this feat in the Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Dipika Pallikal settled for the bronze medal in women's singles after going down to the top seed and World No.1 Nicol David of Malaysia 4-11, 4-11, 5-11.

According to coach S. Maniam, Dipika had put in her best, but the Malaysian opponent was a class apart and that became crystal clear in the outcome of the contest.

However, Ghosal played with lot of fire and purpose against Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia. Ong is seeded lower and the Indian's win seemed in order, but the Malaysian is a player of great potential.

Ghosal had lost to him in the Asian team championship earlier and knew for sure that Ong's strength was in the forecourt particularly in the left corner.

Ghosal kept playing him to the back and after some time the Malaysian seemed to tire and lose out of ideas.

The results (semi-finals):

Men: Saurav Ghosal beat Ong Beng Hee (Mal) 11-9, 11-4, 11-5.

Women: Dipika Pallikal lost to Nicol David (Mal) 4-11, 4-11, 5-11.