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The top two seeds lined up to take their appointed spots in the final of the JSW Indian Squash Circuit Chennai Open. Harinder was on his home court, but Reda has played a fair bit of squash here as well.
The tone was set straightaway with some long engaging rallies. They went stride for stride to 5-5 when Reda drew some errors from the Indian to lead 9-6 and 10-7. Harinder clawed back with his customary gritty play to take it to extra points. At 12-11 to Reda a mis hit by Reda caught the Indian out and the Egyptian blew a kiss to the sky.The second was also a battle of attrition and both players were mixing some superb lengths with some artistry in the forecourt. At 7-5 to Reda, Harinder was awarded a stroke for 6-7, 'Why.,,,,,, implored Reda - the decision stood. Reda moved to 9-7, and this game was going to be crucial for Harinder who's been recovering from an attack of sinusitis all week. Two unforced errors from the Indian and Reda had Game 2 as well. 11-7Harinder was up against it now as Reda marched on relentlessly to race to 5-0, Harinder clearly was not at his best physically and it was now showing. He once again begun showing his resilient side as he won three in a row for 3-5. A fine attacking shot from Reda for hand out. The crowd egged on the local lad as another brace got him to 5-6. A superb back hand cross court from the Indian restored parity. At 6-6 this was nicely poised.They then played the longest rally of the tournament- could easily have been forty or fifty shots, a length which was too tight by Harinder resulted in a no-let and the Induan had the lead, he applied some more pressure for 9-6 before Reda pulled one back. The next point was all Harinder as he took Reda all over but somehow managed to find the tin for an easy put away. In a hurry it was 9-9. A service return into the tin from Harinder and another unforced error and it was game and match to the Egyptian.
Mohd Ali Reda (Egy), " I knew I had tough challenge playing against Harinder on his home court. But I have played on this courts several times so it helped me to win the final. Its great to win my 2nd tournament in 1 month on the PSA World Tour. I will definitely be back next year to play in the JSW Indian Squash Circuit".
Harinderpal Singh Sandhu, "Disappointed to lose in the final at home. Work to be done and need to come back stronger for next year tournaments. Thanks to my coaches and all the juniors for supporting me today and all week."
