Chennai, Sep 7 - Balamurugan and A.Parthiban, coaches of the Indian Squash Academy, scalped the top two seeds in the first round qualifying of the PSA Indian Challenger-Three 2009 squash here Monday.

After Balamurugan, a national champion in Professional Category for 10 years, put paid to the aspirations of top seed Paul Mathieson of Italy, Parthiban made amends to get back his rhythm in the third and fourth games to dispose of Hon Fung Wong of Hong Kong.

Only two of the overseas players among the four who were on view this day could progress to the second and final qualifying round to be held Tuesday. The main draw starts Wednesday.

However, it was a mixed day for the Indian juniors who are making their debut in the PSA as six players have kept their hopes alive progressing to the second round qualifying and two of them are certain to make the main draw.

Two of the four matches Tuesday would be between Indians --- Balamurugan vs. Sandeep Jangra and Naveen Jangra vs. A.Parthiban.

Making assessments of his Italian rival's strength in the first game which Balamurugan lost 4-11, the Indian was swift in planning his strategy. Balamurugan kept Mathieson on rallies and then went for winners. His strategy to wear down the Italian also worked to his advantage most often. Balamurugan won at 4-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-9.

On the other hand, it was not an easy outing for Parthiban as his opponent Wong was not giving away easily. Though Parthiban took a few points' lead in all the four games, Wong was consistent in returning the ball.