India beats Ireland, ensures top 12 finish

Chennai, July 24 (UNI) India today notched up their second sucessive win, defeating Ireland in their group match in the 14th World Junior Men's Team Squash Championships being held in New Zealand.

According to National Coach Cyrus Poncha, this victory would ensure India a top 12 finish.

If they beat South Africa in their next match later today, India would get a chance to finish in the top eight.

Vikram Malhotra, representing India for the first time, gave the team a good start before Harinderpal Singh and Naresh Kumar pressed home the advantage.

Vikram started with a bang winning the first game 9-1 against Chris O'Kane. After taking a 5-0 lead in the second, he let his guard down and lost the game 6-9. However, he came back strongly to win the next two games comfortably, conceding a mere five points.

Harinder too won his match in four games dropping the second against Rory Byrne. Playing some great winners in the third and fourth, he wrapped up the contest without much ado in the end.

Naresh played a disciplined game against Conor O'Hare to win in straight games in the third match.

Results : India bt Ireland 3-0 (Vikram Malhotra bt Chris O'Kane 9-1, 6-9, 9-2, 9-3; Harinderpal Singh bt Rory Byrne 9-4, 4-9, 9-1, 9-3; Naresh Kumar bt Conor O'Hare 9-1, 9-5, 9-4).

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