Saurav Ghosal goes down in Colombian title clash

NEW DELHI: Despite high expectations, India's top male player Saurav Ghosal failed to cap a memorable week's show with a title when he went down to giant killer Alfredo Avila of Mexico in the final of the $50,000 Albierto Colombiano 2015, a PSA event in Colombian capital of Bogota.

World No 16 ran out of steam against his 54th-ranked opponent, losing 9-11 11-8, 4-11, 8-11 yesterday night. The Indian had surprised top seed and World No 4 Miguel Rodriguez in a thrilling semifinal.

Ghosal's conquerer in the final was another Mexican Avila, who had come to the main draw as a qualifier. But then he proved statistics are mere numbers with his stupendous effort.

Avila had beaten the second seed Peter Barker of England for the place in the final. The Inspired man's relentless march saw the Indian go on the backfoot. Barring a brief moment when Ghosal grabbed a game it was Avila all the way in this 55 minute contest that also brought the Mexican his seventh PSA title.