Ritwik starts title defence in style, trounces Sutherland

Chennai, June 15 (UNI) Reigning National Champion Ritwik Bhattacharya started his title defence in style with a straight game victory over Rob Sutherland of wales to enter the quarterfinals of the 10,000 dollar fourth ICL Chennai Open-2006 PSA squash championship here today.

After a close first game, Ritwik stepped up the pace in the next two to post a 11-9, 11-4, 11-6 win over unseeded Sutherland to become the first player to enter the last eight stage.

Initially, things were not too rosy for Ritwik, who looked a bit lethargic. But once he found his rhythm, the second seed Indian was at his best and he walloped his rival, picking points at regular intervals.

He trailed 4-7, 6-9 in the first game. After Sutherland hit the tin, Ritwik reeled off five points in a row to pocket the first game. Thereafter, it was a mere formality as he led from start to finish in the next two games to win rather easily in the end.

Ritwik's compatriot, Harinderpal Singh failed to rise to the occasion losing 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 to fifth seed Yasir Butt of Pakistan and Wai Hang Wong of Hong Kong won 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 against Marton Szaboky of Hungary to enter the quarters along with third seeded Dylan Bennett of Netherklands and sixth seed Majid Khan of Pakistan.

While Dylan was stretched to the limit by Malaysia Timothy Arnold, Majid had an easy outing against qualifier Neil Hitchenes of England. In a roller-coaster encounter, Dylan won 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 in 44 mts and Majid scored a business-like 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 win.

Results: Ritwik Bhattacharya (Ind) bt Rob Sutherland (Wales) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6 Yasir Butt (Pak) bt Harinderpal Singh (Ind) 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 Majid Khan (Pak) bt Niel Hitchenes (Eng) 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 Wai Hang Wong (HK) bt Marton Szaboky (Hung) 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 Dyland Bennett (Neth) bt Timothy Arnold (Malaysia) 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7.

UNI GV AY KP1948