Anahat Singh Fights Back From Deficit to Storm Into Maiden PSA Gold Semi-Final
India’s rising squash star Anahat Singh made a strong statement at the Silicon Valley Open, rallying from behind to defeat Egypt’s Salma Hany and reach her first-ever semi-final at a PSA Gold-level tournament. The 18-year-old world No. 15 overcame a difficult start to claim a 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5 victory in a gripping 42-minute encounter.
Facing world No. 14 Hany, Anahat struggled to find her rhythm in the opening stages and twice fell behind in the contest. However, she showed tremendous resilience to turn the match around, dominating the fourth game before maintaining her momentum to seal the deciding game convincingly.
Speaking after the match, Anahat admitted that she was disappointed with her early performance but remained committed to fighting her way back.
“I did not start off well. The first game was 11-4, which was a pretty bad start. However, I wanted to find a way to make my way back into the match and put up a fight. Whether it resulted in a win or a loss, I did not want to let it go too easily,” she said.
She explained that winning the second game was crucial to restoring her confidence, although the match continued to swing between the two players.
“I gave it my all in the second game and tried to make it one-all. We kept winning games alternately, so it was quite a roller coaster. I am happy I got through it,” Anahat added.
A MAJOR STEP FOR INDIAN SQUASH
Anahat’s triumph marks a new chapter in her senior career, taking her into the semi-finals of a PSA Gold event for the first time. The achievement highlights her steady progress against established international opponents.
Earlier, she reached the quarter-finals of the London Squash Classic, becoming the first Indian woman since Joshna Chinappa in 2021 to reach the last eight of a Gold-level competition. Her latest result builds on that performance and signals further progress on the professional circuit.
The manner of her victory over Hany was particularly impressive. After losing two of the first three games, Anahat tightened her game and seized control, conceding just two points in the fourth before closing out the match with another dominant display.
BACK-TO-BACK BIG WINS BOOST ANAHAT’S CAMPAIGN
Anahat had already delivered a major upset in the previous round by defeating Egypt’s eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini.
She recorded a straight-games win, taking the match 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in only 30 minutes. Beating one of the sport’s most accomplished players was a significant achievement, and her comeback victory over Hany has further strengthened her campaign in California.
The two consecutive wins demonstrate Anahat’s growing confidence and ability to respond to pressure at the highest level of the sport.
SIVASANGARI SUBRAMANIAM AWAITS IN THE LAST FOUR
Anahat will now face Malaysia’s world No. 4 Sivasangari Subramaniam in the semi-finals, with a place in the Silicon Valley Open final on the line.
The encounter will bring back memories of the women’s singles final at the 2026 Asian Games, where Sivasangari won gold and Anahat took home the silver medal. Their upcoming clash will give the Indian youngster another opportunity to challenge the Malaysian and move closer to a prestigious tournament title.
Anahat has already achieved a historic milestone this year by becoming the first Indian to win the girls’ singles crown at the World Junior Squash Championships. Reaching the PSA Gold semi-finals adds another significant accomplishment to her growing list of achievements.
With momentum on her side, the Indian teenager will look to continue her impressive run and secure a place in the final.
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