Chicago: Top seed Saurav Ghosal signalled the end of the road for title-holder Olivier Pett when he beat the English qualifier in four games in the quarter-finals of the METROsquash Windy City Open, the PSA World Tour International 25 squash event at the University Club of Chicago in Chicago, USA.
Ghosal, the world No27 from India, fought back from a game down to overcome Pett, ranked almost 40 places lower, 5-11, 11-7, 11-4, 14-12.
"Both played beautifully, moving the ball around well, attacking with precision and getting just about everything back," said tournament spokesman Yoni Ellous. "But in the end it was Saurav that managed to outlast Ollie to a standing ovation from the crowd."
Ghosal tweeted later: "Won 3-1 today! Pett played very well. Definitely one to look out for. Didn't realise he was defending champion! No wonder he pushed like mad!"
The six times Indian champion goes on to meet Scotland's Alan Clyne following the fourth seed's 8-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-9 win over Australian Ryan Cuskelly.
But in the lower half of the draw, Pakistan qualifier Yasir Butt continued his giant-killing run in the event by upsetting Canada's Shawn Delierre 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9.
The 23-year-old from Lahore will now face Egyptian Mohd Ali Anwar Reda. The No3 seed from Cairo ended Mexican interest in the event when he beat Arturo Salazar 12-14, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8.
"Arturo got the best of Mohd in the first game after a tie-breaker, only for Mohd to come out flying to take the second," explained Ellous. "Even though the third and fourth were evenly matched it was Mohd kicking into a higher gear at the end of each game."
RESULTS: PSA International 25 METROsquash Windy City Open, Chicago, USA
Quarter-finals:
[1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt [Q] Olivier Pett (ENG) 5-11, 11-7, 11-4, 14-12
[4] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 8-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-9
[3] Mohd Ali Anwar Reda (EGY) bt Arturo Salazar (MEX) 12-14, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8
[Q] Yasir Butt (PAK) bt Shawn Delierre (CAN) 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9
Semi-final line-up:
[1] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [4] Alan Clyne (SCO)
[Q] Yasir Butt (PAK) v [3] Mohd Ali Anwar Reda (EGY)
