Ghosal starts with big win

Executing counter-drops well,Ghosal never conceded the advantage to the taller Aussie,winning the first game by a comfortable margin. Pilley was unable to keep up to the quick pace and was two games down in no time. The conditions frustrated me,and Saurav played well today, Pilley said later.

Ghosal ran up a 5-0 lead before letting his guard down and allowing the Australian to catch up at 5-5 as Pilley threatened to return into the match claiming the third game at 12-10,but Ghosal regained the momentum in a tight game to prevail in the fourth.

When I hit into the tin at 10-7 in the fourth,I wondered if I had given him a chance to come back. So,I was glad when he hit into the tin as well, a relieved Ghosal said after the match.

The top-ranked Indian had snatched a 2-1 lead over No 12 Adrian Grant a few months ago,before frittering it away,and also led current world No 1 Karim Darwish by two games a couple of seasons ago. I like to attack,but now Ive learnt to be more patient and keep it to the back, Ghosal said.