Squash: Sandhu, Nouran emerge champs

Nouran El Torky of Egypt and India's Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu won the women's and men's titles, respectively, in the first round of the JSW Indian Squash Challenger Circuit here Sunday.

In the men's final, Sandhu prevailed over Asian Games team-mate and fellow medalist Mahesh Mangaonkar 11-5, 11-5, 11-6.

Nouran El Torky easily overcame South African Cheyna Tucker 11-3, 11-8, 11-4 in the women's final.

While Mangaonkar had the length, Sandhu returned brilliantly to win in three quick games after a slow start. Sandhu was the dominant player in all the three games as he built on early leads to emerge deserving winner.

Sandhu said: "It's exactly one year since I lost to Mahesh on this same court at Senior Nationls. This court is a very hot spot. I knew I would need to keep my basic game tight, not be headstrong, hang in there and and just give it my all."

In the women's final, El Torky started strongly and maintained the momentum to run out winner although Tucker made her opponent earn every point.