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Nickhileswar hopes to nail his second title in Manila

KUALA LUMPUR: Squash player M. Nickhileswar is looking forward to his second consecutive title in Manila tomorrow.

Last week the 16-year-old from Penang, though seeded only joint ninth, won a PSA Satellite title in the Philippines by upstaging South Korean Oh Seo Jin in the final.

The world No. 403 will meet world No. 156 and top seed Tomo Endo of Japan in the final of the Philippine Challenge Classic.

Nickhileswar came back from a set down to upset Japan's world No. 231 and third seed Naoki Hayashi 9-11, 11-7, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7 in a 65-minute semi-final today.

Earlier he stunned world No. 201 and second seed Reymark Begornia of the Philippines 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 4-11, 11-6 in the last eight.

The Under-17 Asian champion said he is hoping for a perfect Deepavali celebration tomorrow.

"It has been great for me in Manila. Last week I won a PSA Satellite title, which improved my world ranking from 483 to 403.

"I am all fired up to play Tomo in the final. This is the first time I am facing him and I hope that after playing two back-to-back five-setters in the quarters and semis, I will be able to give my best in the final," said Nickhileswar.

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