Western India Squash Slam: Top Seeds Viktor and Akanksha Triumph in Challenging Semifinals
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Mumbai, Dec 21 (NationPress) The top seeds Viktor Byrtus and Akanksha Salukkhe secured intense 3-2 victories in their respective men's and women's semifinal matches of the 79th Western India Slam, a USD 9,000 prize-money Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger event happening at the CCI courts here on Saturday.
The Czech Republic's number one, Byrtus, faced a significant challenge before overcoming Netherlands' fourth seed Rowan Damming with scores of 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, and 11-8 in a closely contested match. On Friday, Byrtus easily defeated seventh seed Wailok To from Hong Kong with scores of 11-6, 11-3, and 11-5.
In the women's draw, top seed Akanksha Salunkhe of India also faced stiff competition from Egypt's fifth seed Jana Swaify before winning an exhilarating match with scores of 11-5, 12-14, 15-13, 5-11, and 12-10.
Previously, Akanksha advanced to the semifinals by defeating Sze Wing Wai from Hong Kong in three straight games, with scores of 11-5, 11-4, and 11-3.
Results:
Women's semifinals: 2-Anahat Singh (IND) defeated 3-Nour Khafagy (EGY) 3-1 (11-4, 12-14, 11-9, 11-9); 1-Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) defeated 5-Jana Swaify (EGY) 3-2 (11-5, 12-14, 15-13, 5-11, 12-10).
Men's semifinals: 1-Viktor Byrtus (CZE) defeated 4-Rowan Damming (NED) 3-2 (7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8).
