Anahat Singh Shocks World No. 28 in World Squash Championship Opener
Chicago, May 10 — In a remarkable start to her World Championship campaign, 17-year-old Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh pulled off a major upset by defeating world No. 28 Marina Stefanoni of the United States in the opening round.Ranked 62nd globally, Anahat showcased nerves of steel as she rallied from behind to clinch a thrilling five-game victory: 10-12, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-6. The match demonstrated her grit and skill as she bounced back after losing the first and third games in the high-stakes tournament being held in Chicago.
Up next, Anahat faces a formidable challenge against world No. 15 Fayrouz Aboelkheir of Egypt, who advanced with a 3-1 win over compatriot Hana Moataz. The next round promises to test the Indian teen’s mettle even further.
Abhay Singh Joins Winning Ranks
India's Abhay Singh also made a strong start in the men's singles event. The 38th-ranked player outplayed world No. 25 Nicolas Mueller of Switzerland with a confident 11-7, 2-11, 11-7, 11-6 win. Despite dropping the second game, Abhay remained composed to seal the match in four games.He will now go up against world No. 13 Youssef Ibrahim of Egypt in the next round, a matchup that is set to be another intense showdown for the Indian contingent.
The USD 656,500 tournament is one of the most prestigious events in the squash calendar, drawing elite talent from across the globe. With these strong performances, Anahat and Abhay have put Indian squash firmly in the spotlight.