Mangaonkar bows out in semis
Article in Hindustan Times: 12^th Feb, 2011

Mahesh Mangaonkar 17, was on the receiving end of a sounding battering by top seed Kamran Khan of Malaysia in the men’s semi-finals of the ISP Minute Maid Squash Carnival hosted jointly by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana on Friday. 

Kamran, ranked 80 in the world, was in total control of proceedings as he romped to a 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 victory.

Marwan Subdudes Kamran
(Article in Hindustan Times: 13^th Feb, 2011) 

Second seed Marwan Shorbagy of Egypt adopted an aggressive gamelan to upset Malaysian top seed Kamran Khan in the men’s final of the Rs. 11 Lakh ISP Minute Maid Squash Carnival, the ISP’s 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vileparle Gymkhana Club on Saturday. Shorbagy won 11-3, 11-8, 12-10 to bag the winner’s purse of Rs. 1.5 lakh

Mahesh, Sandeep enter pre-quarters
(Article in The Asian Age, 9^th Feb, 2011) 

Fourth seed Mahesh Mangaonkar and fifth seed Sandeep Jangra reached the pre-quarter finals of the ISP – Minutes Maid Squash Carnival, Jointly hotsed by Khar Gymkhana Club, on Tuesday.

Mahesh, who recently defeated Pakistan in the Asian Squash Championship, was seen in the good form as he defeated Shashank R.Iyer 11-1, 11-3 to reach the pre-quarter finals. In another match Sandeep Jangra, too made it to the pre-quarters by beating Bhanu Partap Singh in two games 11-4, 11-5. the Boy’s U-17 matches saw Ashraf Hussain and Akhilesh Yadav score an easy victory against their opponents. Ashraf beat Rahul Deora 11-2, 11-5, while Akhilesh defeated Azad Singhin 11-3, 11-74.

Mahesh Sandeep in pre-quarters
(Article in Free Press, 9^th Feb 2011)

Fourth seed Mahesh Managaonkar and fifth seed Sandeep Jangra recorded easy wins while making the pre-quarter finals of the ISP – Minute Maid Squash carnival, ISP ‘s 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana Club Vile parle Gymkhana Club on Tuesday.

 Managaonkar, a member of the Indian squash team that recently defeated Pakistan in the Asian Squash Championship and won the title, was in good form while drubbing Shashank R Iyer 11-1, 11-3 in his second round encounter. Also Sandeep Jangra who beat Bhanu Pratap Singh 11-4, 11-5 in his match. 

Mangaonkar and Jangra, along with Gaurav Nandrjog are among the fancied Indian names expected of give the foreign players a run for their of the tournament.

Second seed Marwan Shorbagy of Egypt and sixth Elvin Keo had their first taste of the action and hardly broke a sweat while defeating Amit Kararia and Vicky Mehta 11-1, 11-0 and11-3, 11-1 respectively.

Indian Challenge is all over
(Article in DNA: 12^th Feb, 2011)

Saumya Karki and Mahesh Mangaonkar the highest seeded Indians in the women’s and men’s open respectively, lost their matches against Malaysian opposition in the semifinals of the under-19 ISP – Minute Maid Squash carnival at Khar Gymkhana on Friday. 

However; considering they are still junior players, no less or no more was expected from the two, who were both seeded fourth in their respective categories. Karki and Mangaonkar are top seeds in the under-19 category and are on course to win the titles. 

Local girl Saumya Karki thrashed Delhi’s Dia kumar 11-2, 11-5, 11-2 in the under-19 semifinal Karki showed overall superiority in movements as well as strokes to win the match. There were a number of lets and stokes awarded in the contest because of both the players infrining each other’s shots. Kumar seemed displeased with most of the calls made by the referee. 

Karki’s defeat in the semifinal brought to an end the Indian challenge in the women’s open similarly, the country’s top contender in men’s open Mahesh Mangaonkar; also faced defear in his semifinal against the top seed Kamran Khan of Malaysia loaing 11-9, 11-6, 11-4. 

Mangaonkar to meet top seed Kamran
(Article in The Times of India: 11^th Feb, 2011)

Mahesh Mangaonkar, one of the most promising junior on the Indian Squash scene, did not play his best squash, yet possessed enough in his game to put it across fifth seed Sandeep Jangra 13-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 to enter the men’s singles semifinals of the Rs. 11 lakh prize money ISP – Minute Maid Squash Carnival, ISP 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club on Thursday. 

Squash gets a dose of foreign glam
(The Asian Age: 7^th Jan 2011)

Celebrating their 100^th tournament, the Indian squash professionals have introduced, for the first time ever, a new under-7 category at the ISP Minute Maid squash carnival and Vile parle Gymkhana from February 5. Over 700 entries from across the country are expected to come in for the week-long event, with players from Malaysia and Egypt expected to vie for honors in men and women’s categories. 

In the men’s draw, Muhanad Asyraf Bin Azan (world  number 58) and Omar Aziz (world number 37) from Malaysia and Egypt respectively will be up against top Indian players like Siddharth Suchde, Gaurav Nandrajog, Sandeep Jangra among others. In the women’s draw the top Indian players include Saumya Karki, Shreya Khatri and Surbhi Mishra, Besides, there are also competitions for boys and girls in the U-19, U-17, U-15, U-13 nad U-11 categories.  There will also be joint events for boys and girls in the U-9 and U-7 age groups, and for men over 35, 45, 55 and 65.

The men’s open winner will stand to gain Rs. 1,50,000, while the runner-up will win Rs. 75,000 and losing semifinalists Rs. 30,000 each. The women’s open winner will take home Rs. 75,000 runner-up Rs. 50,000 and losing semifinalists Rs. 20,000 each.

Top Foreign players for squash carnival
(Article in Free Press Journal: 5^th Feb 2011)

EGYPT’S Marwan Hossam Mohammed in men’s and Malaysia’s Pushppa Devi Pramaseva in women’s category are the main attraction of the Rs.11 lakh prize money Indian squash professionals 100th squash tournament, the ISP – Minute Maid Squash Carnival, 2011 starting from today at Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana. Over 700 entries are received from all over India, while the top Indian men and women. Along with players from Malaysia and Egypt are participating to vie for honors in the men’s and women’s open categories. 

The mens’s open winner will stand to gain Rs. 1,50,000 with the runner-up taking home Rs. 75,000 and the losing semifinalists getting richer by Rs. 30,000 each. The women’s open winner will take home Rs. 75,000 with the runner-up gaining Rs.50, 000 and the losing semifinalists Rs. 20,000 each. 

Besides Pushppa Devi Pramasewa from Malaysia, country women Siti Munirah Joseph and Delia Arnold will also be participating. Among the Indian top male players in action will be names like Siddharth Suchde Gaurav Nandrajog Vikas Jangra, Sandeep Jangra, Mahesh Mangaonkar and Aditya Jagtap, while the women’s opne will see players like Saumya Karki, Shreya Khatri and Surbhi Mishra, to name a few. 

Besides the men’s and women’s open competition will be held for boys and girls in the age categories of under-19, under-17, under-15, under-13 and under-11. There will also be joint events for boys and girls in the under-7 and under-9 age group. Besides these events there will also be events for men over-35, over-45, over-55, over-65 and also for professionals. There will also be Doubles Open and Doubles Handicap events. 

The finals of the tournament are scheduled for February 12,2011 and will be followed by a gala prize distribution.

City to host Squash Carnival
(Article in Free Press Journal: 6^th Jan 2011)

Indian squash professionals (ISP) will be organizing their 100^th squash tournament, The ISP – Minute Maid Squash Carnival in the city from February 5 to 12, 2011. 

The Indian Squash Professionals will be offering a total prize purse of Rs.11 lakh, benefiting players in 20 categories. The 100^th tournament is being organized in association with the Khar Gymkhana and the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana and matches will be played at both the venues. 

The world number 37, Omar Abdel Aziz of Egypt, the main attraction of the event in the men’s 128-man draw will be favorite to the lift the top prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh, it was announced at a media conference on Wednesday. The runner-up would take home Rs. 75,000 while the women’s champion would receive Rs. 75,000 and runner-up Rs. 50,000. India’s top men’s player Sourav Ghosal and top two women players Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa, However, are not in the fray as they would be busy on the pro circuit in USA. Among the top Indian men players taking part would be Gaurav Nandrajog, Siddharth Suchde, said ISP president Ashish Gupta who added that the tournament is being held under the aegis of the Squash Racquets Association of Maharashtra. Malaysia’s women’s world no 50 Suti Muniorah Jusoh is the favourite on the women’s section in the absence of higher-ranked Dipika and Joshna. Events would also be held for boys and girls in the under-19, 17,15,13,11,9 and 7 age groups and six courts three refurbished glass-backed Khar Gymkhana courts and three more at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana would be used, it was announced. The finals of the tournament are scheduled for February 12, 2011 and will be followed by a gala prize distribution, accompanied by a musical and dance program and a fashion show.

Chedda, Daksha win tough ties to enter main draw
(Article in Free Press Journal: 7^th Feb 2011)

Rajan Chedda had a fight on his hands against Ashish Mishra, which resulted in  a marathon second game, before he prevailed 11-6, 14-16, 11-6 to enter the men’s singles main draw of the Rs.11 lakh prize money ISP – Minute Maid Squash Carnival, the ISP’s 100^th tournament, being palyed at the Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile parle Gymkhana.

Also making the main draw were Sameer Vora, Karan Mirchandani and Sachin Ugade, who scored straight game wins over the rivals. The Girls U-13 final qualifying round also saw a close match between Daksha Pathak and Jaya Pandey, before the former prevailed 9-11, 11-4, 11-2 to enter the main draw.

Chedda in main draw
(Article in Mid Day: 7^th Feb 2011)

Rajan Chedda was made to fight hard in a marathon second game against Ashish Mishra before he prevailed 11-6, 14-16, 11-6 to enter the men’s singles main draw of the Rs.11 lakh prize money ISP – Squash carnival, being played at the Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana. 

Straight Wins

Sameer Vora, Karan Mirchandani and sachin Ugade also made the main draw after scoring straight game wins over their rivals. 

In the girls U-13 final qualifying round, Daksha Pathank’s clash with Jaya Pandey was a closely contested affair. 

Pathak prevailed 9-11,11-4 11-2 to enter the main draw.

SHRIA SIZZLES
(Article in Mid Day: 8^th Feb 2011)

WINNING the Indian Squash Professionals tournament tops Shria Khatri’s priority of Ruia College, who made it to the quarter-final yesterday, said: “winning here will help me get a scholarship for further studies.” The Asian junior semifinalist, Shria beat Maanvi Chopra of Acres club match at the Khar Gymkhana yesterday. In another game, Ashwariya Nambiar beat Araiana Kewaira 11-4, 11-3 

Contrasting wins for Mandal, Fadte
(Article in Free Press Journal: 6^th Feb 2011)

ALLAHABAD’S young Deepak Mandal and Goa’s Om Fadte scored contrasting victories to enter the boys under-11 second round of the ISP-Minute Maid Squash Carnival, which began at the Khar Gyamkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana, here on Saturday. 

Around 100 matches were played on the opening day of ISP’s 100^th event. 

While Mandal was in total control of his match against Yash Dhairyawan, winning 11-6, 11-4, Fadte dropped a game to Anil Yadav before winning 11-6, 5-11, 11-8. 

In a boys under-15 first round qualifying match, Aayush Agarwal was taken the distance before getting the better of Aditya Singh 9-11, 12-10, 11-8. 

Top Foreign players in ISP –Minute Maid squash carnival
(Article in The Asian Age: 5^th Feb 2011)

Egypt’s Marwan Hossam Mohammed in men’s and Malaysi’a Pushppa Devi Pramaswa in women’s category would be the main attraction of the Indian squash professionals 100^th tournament, the ISP-Minute Maid Squash Carnival starting today at Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana. Besides Pushppa Devi Pramasewa from Malaysia, countrywomen Siti Munirah Jusoh and Delia Arnold will also be participating. South Africa’s Siyoli Waters will also be trying her luck in the women’s category. In the men’s category, Malaysia’s Kamran Khan and Elvinn Keo Jinn Chung are the other foreign participants. Among the Indian top male players in action will be name like Siddharth Suchde, Gaurav Nandrajog, Vikas Jangra. Sandeep Jangra, Mahesh Mangaonkar and Aditya Jagtap, while the women’s open will see players like Saumya Karki, Shreya Khatri and Surbhi Mishra, to name a few.

Khatri, Nambiar enter under-19 squash quarterfinals
(Article in Hindustan Times: 8^th Feb 2011)

Third seed Shria Khatri beat Maanvi Chopra 15-13, 11-2 in the girls under-19 singles pre-quarters to book her place in the last eight of the ISP-Minute Maid Squash carnival jointly hosted by Khar Gym and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana on Monday. 

In men’s first round action Jindal’s Laxman Joshi started his campaign on a high note as beat Chirag Shah 11-7, 11-7 while Waqar Pathan had struggle before seeing off the qualifier Sachin Uagde 11-9, 6-11, 12-10. 

Shria, Aishwarya make it to quarters
(The Times of India: 8^th Feb 2011)

Third seed Shria Khatri made a slow start to her campaign in the girls under-19 singles, but soon got into her groove to get the better of Maanvi Chopra and enter the quarterfinals of the ISP-Minute Maid squash carnival, the ISP’s 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana club on Monday. Shria who struggled to reach the ball in first game, was taken to the wire before winning 165-13, but once she found romped to a 11-2 win. Also making the round of eight was Aishwarya Nambiar, who made short work of Ariana Kewalramani 11-4, 11-3. In the men’s singles first round, Jindal’s Laxman Joshi began his campaign with 11-7, 11-7 win over Chirag Shah. In another encounter Waqar Pathan dropped a game before getting past qualifier Sachin Ugade 11-9, 6-11, 12-10. 

Shria, Aishwarya enter quarters
(Article in Afternoon: 8^th Feb 2011) 

Third seed Shria Khatri made a slow start to her campaign in the girl’s under 19 singles, but soon got into her groove to get the better of Maanvi Chopra and enter the quarterfinals of the ISP- Minute Maid squash carnival held at Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club, yesterday. Shria struggled to reach the ball in the first game was taken to the wire before winning 15-13, but once she found her rhythm her and she romped to a 11-2 win in the second game. Also making the round of eight was Aishwarya Nambiar, who made short work of Araiana Kewalramani 11-4, 11-3. In men’s first round action, Joshi began his campaign with 11-7, 11-7 win over Chirag Shah, while Waqar Pathan dropped a game before getting past qualifier Sachin Ugade 11-9, 6-11, 12-10.

Shria, Aishwarya in quarters
(Article in The Indian Express: 8^th Feb 2011) 

Third seed Shria Khatri made a slow start to her campaign in the girls under-19 singles. But soon got into her groove to get the better of Maanvi Chopra and enter the quarterfinals of the ISP-Minute Maid squash carnival, the ISP’s 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club on Monday. 

Shria, who struggle to reach the ball in the first game, was taken to the wire before winning 165-13, but once she found her rhythm there was no stopping her and she romped to a 11-2 win. Also making the round of eight was Aishwarya Nambiar, who made short work of Ariana Kewalramani 11-4, 11-3. 

In men’s first round action, Jindal’s Laxman Joshi began his campaign with 11-7, 11-7 win over Chirag Shah, while Waqar Pathan dropped a game before getting past qualifier Sachin Ugade 11-9, 6-11, 12-10. 

Shorbagy playing in city; Keen to shout Anti-Mubarak Slogans in Home Country
(Article in DNA: 8^th Feb 2011)

Squash pro wants to join Egypt protests  

Egyptian squash player Marwan el Shorbagy is sweating it out at the Khar Gymkhana for the Indian squash professional tournament. Amid the practice sessions, also has the well-being of his family on his mind. 

Shorbagy comes out of the glass courts every 20 minutes to check the political developments in Egypt on his Blackberry. 

The country has witnessed strong protests against president Hosni Mubarak’s regime. As many as 300 people have died in the violence since the clashes began on January 25. 

“By God’s grace, my family members and friends in Alexandra are fine. I have been in touch with them through the Internet was banned, but it is working now. All my cousins and friends have joined the protest against Mubarak,” the World Bo. 126 told DNA. 

The player, who shifted base to England a few years base to England a few years ago to pursue his education and his favourite sport at the professional level, is keen to return to his country and take part in the protests. 

“I will go to Alexandria after three weeks and if the protests are still not over, I will join them. I want my nation to be free. So many people have lost their lives, but the protests are still on. That means something. It is time for the dictators to step down from their illegitimate posts. 

The only way my country can progress is through democracy,” said Shorbagy younger brother of World No.9 Mohammed El Shorbagy. He added that he last visited Egypt in December last year. 

“Whatever is happening in Egypt is good. We want the president to step down,” Shorbagy said.

Squash: Loss to Khan spurs Mahesh to U-19 final win
(Article in Mid-Day 13^th Feb 2011)

Mumbai lad Mahesh Mangaonkar failed to beat top seed Kamran Khan in the men’s open category semi-finals of the Indian Squash Professionals (ISP) squash carnival on Friday. But the tips he gained from the Malaysian helped Mangaonkar in his U-19 final triumph against Vivek Dinodia 11-6, 11-5, 11-1 at Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana on Saturday.

“Playing Kamran was a great learning experience for me. I spoke to him yesterday and he helped me a lot. He taught me the way he plans his shots and how he maintains his fitness. Facing an internationl athlete like him got me motivated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kamran lost the open category final to Egypt’s Marwan Shorbagy 11-3, 11-8, 12-10. In an all Malaysian women’s final, Delia Arnold beat siti Munirah Jusoh 11-2, 11-6, 11-9.

Marwan, Delia Champs
(Article in DNA 13^th Feb 2011)

Egypt’s Marwan Shorbagy of Egypt beat Malaysia’s Kamran Khan 11-3, 11-8, 12-10 in the men’s open final of the ISP- Minute Maid Squash Carnival at Khar Gymkhana on Saturday. Malaysia’s Delia Arnold beat Siti Munirah Jusoh 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 in the women’s final. 

Kamran in Final
(Article in The Times Of India 12^th Feb 2011)

Mahesh Mangaonkar was beaten by top seed Kamran Khan of Malysia in the men’s open semifinals of the ISP- Minute Maid Squash Carnival on Friday. Kamran, ranked 80 in the world, and playing his first tournament in Mumbai, was in total control of proceedings as he romped to a 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 victory.

Mangaonkar whips Jangra
(article in Hindustan Times 11^th Feb 2011)

MUMBAI: Mahesh Mangaonkar got the better of Sandeep Jangra 13-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 to enter the men’s singles semi-finals of the ISP- Minute Maid Squash Carnival on Thursday. Mangaonkar will clash with top seed Kamran Khan of Malaysia.

   
Kamran pips Mangaonkar to enter final
(Article in Free Press Journal 12^th Feb 2011)

Top seed Kamran Khan outplayed Mahesh Mangaonkar 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 to enter the final of the men’s open of the Rs. 11 lakh prize money. ISP- Minute Maid Squash Carnival, ISP’s 100^th tournament, hosted jointly by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana on Friday. A similar fate befell 16-year-old Saumya Karki in the Women’s semi’s. Facing off against top seed Delia Arnold of Malaysia, Saumya was clueless as she crashed to a 2-11, 5-11, 2-11 defeat. The final will see Delia clash with her country mate and second seed Siti Munirah Jusoh, who won a topsy turvy semi final against South Africa’s Siyoli Waters, the scoreline reading 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 4-11, 11-9. However, Saumya, the top seed, made the girls under-19 final with an easy 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 win over Delhi’s Diya Kumar and will take on second seed Harshit Jawanda of Delhi, who got the better of Shria Khatri 6-11, 11-9, 11-5, 2-11, 12-10 in a tough encounter that went the distance. 

Marwan, Delia emerge champs
(Article in Free Press Journal 13^th Feb 2011)

Shorbagy, Arnold easily lift the ISP squash men’s and women’s titles

The aggressive tactics and attacking play of second seed Marwan Shorbagy of Egypt prevailed over the defensive, consistent style of Malaysian top seed Kamran Khan in the men’s open final of the Rs.11 lakh prize money ISP – Minute Maid Squash Carnival, the ISP’s 100^th tournament, jointly hosted by Khar Gymkhana and Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana club on Saturday. 

Shorbagy won 11-3, 11-8, 12-10 to bag the winner’s purse of Rs.1.5 lakh.

Earlier, the women’s final was an anti-climax as top seed Delia Arnold of Malaysia packed too much firepower for her second seed countrymate Siti Munirah Jusoh, winning 11-2, 11-6, 11-9 without breaking too much of a sweat. Mahesh Mangaonkar and Saoumya Karki, the top seeds in the boys and girls u-19 emerged easy winners in their categories while it was double delight for the Chotrani family. 

While former men’s National champion Manish Chotrani won the men’s over-35 title, his son Veer Chotrani laid claim to the boys under-11 title. 

Marwan, who had impressed throughout the tournament with his aggressive play and penchant to go for winners, continued in the final, catching Kamran Khan by surprise.

The contest had hardly begun before the first game was over, Marwan kept going for his shots in the second game too and when Kamran tried to mirror his tactics he ended up finding the tin on more than a couple of occasions. The third game was a tight affair and Kamran saved two match points to level scores at 10-10. However, a backhand attempted winner that landed on the tin saw him lose4 the advantage and Marwan then caught him short on a forehand winner for the title. 

Delia Arnold, world no. 20, after steamrolling her training partner Siti Munirah said she had not expected such an easy an easy encounter but Munirah was finding it difficult to move on court as she had not recovered from her long semi-final win on Friday.

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