Meagre winner's purse puts off Ritwik Bhattacharya

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) The capital maybe gearing up for his much-anticipated clash with Sourav Ghosal, but the winner's purse of Rs 45,000 already has defending champion Ritwik Bhattacharya low on motivation on the eve of the 54th National Squash Championship.

Talking to reporters here today, Ritwik did not hide his disappointment at the meagre prize money for the nationals.

''I have to admit that I'm thoroughly disappointed at the prize money, which should have been at least Rs 50,000. This is the national championship which is supposed to be a prestigious event.

You have to have good prize money to attract the best and motivate the youngsters,'' said Ritwik.

And his frustration was more because the London-based squash ace had skipped the 15000 dollar British Open to defend his nationals title.

''It's not that I would have won there. In fact just qualifying for the main draw would have been an achievement there, for all the top players are in the fray. But then you earn something with every round there,'' he rued.

Asked what makes him return to India and play the nationals, Ritwik was forthright in his comment again.

''Winning nationals brightens up my chances of getting Arjuna and other awards and then I can expect some government help as well.

Besides, this is a prestigious tournament and I grew up playing it,'' he said.

The world number 41 exhorted the government and the corporate houses to promote squash in the country.

''It's not me alone, I think the government should fund training and preparations of country's top five or 10 players.

''I have been putting all the money I get back to the game for the last five years. It's not that I'm making big money, it won't happen either until I'm among the top 10 players. I have been investing money and it's high time government and corporates come forward,'' he explained.

He pointed out that even next week's Jaipur Open offered a winner's purse of Rs 75,000.

After that, Ritwik will fly to Pakistan for a tournament there, followed by Hong Kong Open and Qatar Open next month.

Though disappointed with the prize money, Ritwik, however, exuded confidence of retaining his title in the nationals which get underway at the Gymkhana Club here tomorrow.

''I'm ready to defend my title. I love playing here and an quite relaxed. I broke into the top 50 this year but I'm not content yet,'' he said.

He also played down his on-court rivalry with Saurav Ghosal who beat Ritwik in their last meeting in the Otters Open in Mumbai.

''I don't have any score to settle with him. Sourav is a high-calibre player but keep an eye on Siddharth Suchde, he will be the dark horse in the nationals,'' Ritwik predicted.

Meanwhile, Joshna Chinappa will be the main draw in the women's event with Dipika Pallikal and Anwesha Reddy hoping to stop the Bangalore lass.

Manan Mashruwala will be the tournament director of the nationals.

UNI AY PDS RN1551