Another crown for Chothrani

MUMBAI, February 28: Manish Chothrani bagged his third title of the year when he defeated Niraj Shirgaokar, 9-6, 9-5, 9-3, in the men's fina...

MUMBAI, February 28: Manish Chothrani bagged his third title of the year when he defeated Niraj Shirgaokar, 9-6, 9-5, 9-3, in the men8217;s final of the individual events specially conducted to mark the silver jubilee of the Motilal Sanghi memorial Inter-Club squash championships and carrying a total of Rs 1.25 lakhs in prize-money at the Cricket Club of India glassback court, on Saturday.

The winner of the Leela Masters and the Mukesh Babu-Indian Squash Professionals8217; Satellite earlier, Chothrani gained the day because of his admirable control and ability to play the key points well. Thus the rivals were level at 6-all in the first game, 4-all in the second and three-all in the third and every time Chothrani spurted ahead. Both were members of the Maharashtra team that recently won the Inter-State championships.

Chothrani had a trying time in the semi-final yesterday when he was taken to five games by Paul Ferreira. Shirgaokar gained a walk-over from National champion Akhil Behl.

Saturday8217;s victory wasworth Rs 15,000 to Chothrani. Shirgaokar received Rs 7,500.

Jindals8217; Rajesh Verma gained his second successive professionals8217; title. Once again he proved fitter and faster than the seasoned Chandrakant Pawar and was home at 9-1, 9-3, 9-4. Pawar made a late but vain rally from 0-4 to 4-all in the third game.

While Otters players added four individual titles to their team championship triumph, representatives of Andheri Recreation Club Deepali Anvekar, girls under-19, Willingdon Sports Club Parneeta Chaudhari, women8217;s, Jindals Rajesh Verma, professionals and Bombay Gymkhana V Apte, over-40 won one title each.

Jindals8217; M Verma, who put up a most gallant fight while going down to Junaid Nathani in the boys under-16 final, was adjudged the most promising player of the tournament.

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Results all finals: Men8217;s: Manish Chothrani bt Niraj Shirgaokar 9-6, 9-5, 9-3. Professionals: Raj Verma Jindals bt Chandrakant Pawar Otters 9-1, 9-3, 9-4. Over 40: Vaman Apte bt S Basu 9-0, 9-4, 9-3.

Carromtourney

The Suresh Vyayamshala and Jai Bhavani Krida Mandal, Chinchpokli, are jointly organising the late Dashrath Chavan memorial Veedol Trophy Inter-Club carrom tournament, under the aegis of the Mumbai District Carrom Association MDCA, at the Jai Bhavani Krida Mandal Hall, Chinchpokli E, from March 7 to 8.

The Veedol Trophy and other prizes worth Rs 10,000 are being sponsored by the Tide Water Oil Company. Those interested can send their entries by March 2 till 8 p.m. to Balkrishna Panchal/Mangesh Chindarkar, G/3, Shrikrishna Niwas, V G Pingle Marg, Chinchpokli E, Mumbai 400 012.