Anahat Singh Stages Brilliant Comeback to Enter Maiden PSA Gold Semi-Final

Anahat Singh Stages Remarkable Comeback to Reach Maiden PSA Gold Semi-Final

Indian squash player Anahat Singh produced an impressive comeback to defeat Egypt’s Salma Hany and secure her maiden semi-final appearance at a PSA Gold-level tournament. The 18-year-old overcame a challenging start to register a 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5 victory in a 42-minute quarter-final clash at the Silicon Valley Open.

Ranked 15th in the world, Anahat faced stiff competition from world No. 14 Hany and found herself trailing after losing two of the opening three games. However, the young Indian displayed remarkable determination to regain control, dominating the fourth game before delivering a composed performance in the decider.

Reflecting on her performance, Anahat acknowledged that her slow start made the contest difficult but said she was determined to fight until the end.

“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.

Anahat added that she focused on levelling the match in the second game, describing the contest as a roller coaster after both players traded games.

“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,” she added.

ANAHAT ACHIEVES A CAREER-FIRST MILESTONE
The victory marks a significant achievement in Anahat’s progression on the senior professional circuit, as she enters the last four of a PSA Gold event for the first time.

She had previously impressed at the London Squash Classic by reaching the quarter-finals, becoming the first Indian woman since Joshna Chinappa in 2021 to reach the last eight of a Gold-level tournament. Her latest performance takes her a step further and underlines her growing stature in international squash.

Against Hany, Anahat demonstrated her ability to recover under pressure. After struggling in the opening stages, she raised her level considerably in the final two games, conceding only seven points across them to complete an emphatic turnaround.

VICTORY OVER NOUR EL SHERBINI ADDS TO HER DREAM RUN
Anahat’s quarter-final success followed another major achievement in the previous round, where she defeated Egypt’s eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini.

The Indian secured a straight-games victory, winning 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in just 30 minutes. The result was one of the most notable victories of her senior career and provided further evidence of her ability to compete against the sport’s leading players.

Her subsequent comeback against Hany has strengthened her impressive campaign in California and brought her within one win of the tournament final.

ANAHAT TO FACE WORLD NO. 4 IN SEMI-FINAL
Anahat will next take on Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam, the world No. 4, for a place in the final of the Silicon Valley Open.

The upcoming encounter will offer the Indian an opportunity to challenge the Malaysian once again after their meeting in the women’s singles final at the 2026 Asian Games. Sivasangari claimed the gold medal in that contest, while Anahat finished with silver.

The semi-final presents another significant test for the young Indian as she looks to extend her run and secure a place in the championship match.

Anahat has already enjoyed a landmark year, becoming the first Indian to win the girls’ singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships. Her maiden PSA Gold semi-final appearance represents another major step in her career, with the teenager now aiming to turn her impressive run into a place in the final.