Anushka wins thriller

Mumbai: Local girl Anushka Nair rallied to a thrilling 3-1 win to storm into the girls` under-15 quarter-finals in the 1st NSCI Open Squash Championship on Tuesday.

As the girls held centre stage, Nair overcame Neharika Balamurgan of Tamil Nadu 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 14-12 in the most exciting match of the day, with every set being a tight contest. Nair later advanced to the under-17 second round to complete a rewarding day at the National Sports Club of India at central Mumbai. Akanksha Salunkhe of Goa entered the girls` under-13 semi-finals, while her brother Yash advanced to the under-9 semi-finals. In another exciting tie, Neel Joshi beat Zahaan Motiwala 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 to enter the boys` under-11 quarter-finals. Sandeep Ramachandran of Tamil Nadu also enjoyed a rewarding day by advancing to the boys` under-17 and under-15 quarter-finals. PTI