Indian squash ace Ramit Tandon’s impressive run at the prestigious $150, 000 Tournament of Champions came to an end on Friday as he was shown the door by reigning world champion Gregory Gaultier in the first round of this New York tournament. Tandon lost 4-11, 6-11, 3-11 in 32 minutes.
The Columbia University graduate can still be proud of his achievement this week. The 255th ranked New York-based Tandon upset the World No. 22 Ali Farag en route to qualifying for this World Series event.
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The first round against Gaultier was the 40th career match for the 23-year-old, who was born in Kolkata. Surely, this experience will be a huge fillip and will help him make rapid strides on the PSA Tour.
“I have never played, or even seen him play before, so I had to go on YouTube to see footage of him playing in order to prepare for the match,” said Gaultier after his victory.
“I saw he was talented and I spoke to some of the guys on tour who told me the same thing so I prepared myself to make sure I was careful on court and put the ball away when I was given any opportunity,” the Frenchman added.
With Tandon’s loss, Indian challenge comes to an end in men’s singles at the Tournament of Champions. In women’s singles, the Indian duo of Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal will begin their quest on Saturday.
While the 15th ranked Chinappa faces wildcard Kanzy El Defrawy, the World No. 17 Dipika Pallikal opens against qualifier Mariam Metwally.
