Saurav Ghosal scripted history at the world squash championships as he became the first Indian to reach the quarterfinals of the mega event by notching up a come-from-behind victory over Henrik Mustonen in a hard-fought contest here.
The World No. 17 played out of his skin to stretch the unseeded Finn in a tough pre-quarterfinal which the Indian won 3-2 under considerable pressure.
“For me, it’s a massive achievement. It’s the first time I’ve made it to the quarterfinals of the world championship and it’s huge to be in there in the last eight with the world’s best players,” a delighted Ghosal said.
“I’ve made it one step further than I have before, so I’m going to enjoy it,” the 27-year-old Kolkata-born added.
Ghosal was down 0-2 against his lesser-known opponent, but the Leeds-based player showed his class when it mattered the most and upped the ante in the second half of the match to close out the issue 5-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2.
Ghosal feels that his success will do a world of good to the promotion of the sport in the country.
He had made history last year by becoming the first Indian ever to make the last 16 of the world championship.