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Kush Kumar continued his impressive run at the Victorian Open today beating No. 2 seed Nasir Iqbal in four games to advance to the second round.
The 19-year-old won the Tasmanian Open, his first Professional Squash Association (PSA) title last week. We interviewed Kush via e-mail about his victory at the Tasmanian Open and what to expect in Victoria.
Excerpts:
Q: You scored an upset win over second seed Nasir Iqbal at the Victorian Open today. Tell us about the win as Iqbal tied the match at one game all.
It was a very tough match and this was the first time I played him. Before the match, I told myself to go all out and give everything I have.
When it was one game all, I thought he must be a little tired. He wasn’t tired. Instead, Iqbal tried really hard to win each point and didn't give me any free points. I didn’t want to lose against a Pakistani player. Hence, I had to work really hard for every point, which I learnt while training In Indian Squash Academy (ISA).
Q: Did you have a particular strategy in mind before taking on Nasir Iqbal?
Yes, I had a game plan against him. I wanted to keep him straight and tight, to use the opening well and it was working really well today.
Q: You take on Kashif Shuja in the second round. Your thoughts on that match.
I have never played him before. I'm ready to work hard for another tough match.
Q: What does it feel like winning the Tasmanian Open - your first Professional Squash Association (PSA) title?
It was my first PSA title. I'm really happy with my last week’s performance. It is just the beginning. I'm keen on doing well in upcoming tournaments.
Q: You took on top seed Jamie Haycocks in the final. What were the thoughts going on in your mind before the final?
It was the second time I was playing him in Tasmania. I lost 3-2 the last time around. Before the final, just one thing was running on my mind. No matter how hard the match will turn out to be, I'm going to win this battle.
Q: Is this the best match you have played thus far in your young career?
No. Beating Nasir Iqbal is bigger.
Q: You reached the semifinals at the Nationals this year. How did that help in your run in Tasmania?
It did not really help me in Tasmania because Tasmanian Open was a week after the nationals. I played a good match against Saurav in the semifinals, which was a confidence booster.
Q: You got very less time preparing for Victorian Open after the Tasmanian Open. How do you prepare yourself for such back to back tournaments?
I have trained really hard for these events, so I'm ready for every match. I just need one day time to prepare myself for a match because I have been training hard enough for the last four months and feeling fit.
