Ritwik, Joshna for CCI squash

Deepika skips the competition as she is playing in Iran

MUMBAI: Five-time national champion Ritwik Bhattacharya and Joshna Chinappa will defend the men’s and women’s titles, respectively in the 64th CCI-Western India Squash Championship, co-sponsored by Lifebuoy, which will be held at the Cricket Club of India from November 13 to 18.

Fresh from his final in Malaysia and his qualification for the main draw in the Platinum Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open this week, Bhattacharya, who came within striking distance of shocking world No. 18 Adrian Grant of England in Hong Kong, will be challenged by former national champion Manish Chotrani, State Open winner Sandeep Jangra, Maharashtra No. 1 junior Vikram Malhotra and Rishad Pandole.

The men’s winner’s purse has been increased from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1 lakh this year and is the largest in the tournament’s history.

In the women’s category, Joshna Chinappa has rescheduled some of her commitments to defend her title. She is expected to encounter strong opposition from Mandy Kennedy of England who has figured prominently in most of the local tournaments.

Formidable Dipika Pallikal will skip the competition due to her participation in Iran.