After scripting several success stories as a junior, Kush Kumar drew first blood as a senior pro by winning his maiden Professional Squash Association (PSA) title, the Tasmanian Open -- an Australian $5,000 World Tour event -- here on Sunday.
The third seeded Indian, a semi-finalist in the recent Indian National Championships, beat top seeded Jamie Haycocks of England 11-4, 11-5, 13-11 in the final.
Kush, who has been with the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai since the age of 14, had a dream run. He defeated Rohan Toole of Australia in the first round 11-4, 11-13, 11-2, 11-0 before edging out eighth seeded Thomas Calver of Australia 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 for a semi-final entry.
The Indian then ousted Irishman Sean Conroy 11-5, 11-5, 11-2. Conroy had earlier accounted for the second seeded Robert Downer of England.
