Did Anahat Singh Secure the Runner-Up Spot at the British Junior Open?
Synopsis
In an electrifying showdown at the British Junior Open, top seed Anahat Singh narrowly fell short in the women's Under-19 final against France's Lauren Baltayan. This loss, although disappointing, highlights Anahat's rising prominence in the squash world as she continues to break barriers.
Key Takeaways
Anahat Singh reached the Under-19 final at the British Junior Open.
She narrowly lost to Lauren Baltayan in four games.
Anahat's performance continues to showcase her potential in squash.
She has achieved significant victories in her career, including 13 PSA titles.
Her journey inspires many young athletes.
Birmingham, Jan 7 (NationPress) Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh, the top seed, faced a narrow defeat in the women’s Under-19 final at the esteemed British Junior Open held at the University of Birmingham on Tuesday.
Ranked 29th globally, Anahat was bested by France's second seed Lauren Baltayan in a tightly contested match that concluded with scores of 9-11, 11-7, 3-11, 9-11. This marked her ninth appearance in a BJO final across various age categories.
She reached her inaugural women’s Under-19 final by overcoming Egypt’s Malika El Karaksy (3/4) in the semifinals, with a match score of 11-8, 11-7, 11-9, all within just 28 minutes.
Anahat had previously triumphed over Malika in both last year's BJO U-17 final and the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championships, consistently targeting the front corners and converting those opportunities into wins, achieving victory in straight games during the tournament's 100th anniversary.
Prior to her semifinal, Anahat overcame Egypt’s Barb Sameh (5/8) with scores of 11-4, 10-12, 11-9, 11-3 to secure her place in the final four. Earlier, she defeated Malak El Maraghy (Egypt, 9/16) 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 in the last-16 and Hong Kong’s Wing Kai Gladys Ho 11-1, 11-3, 11-3 in the second round, having a bye in the first round.
The Delhi player had a remarkable year in 2025, achieving her highest world ranking of 28 in just her second season on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour while defeating two top-20 players. Recently, she narrowly triumphed over former world No. 10 Joshna Chinappa 11-8, 11-13, 11-13, 11-6, 11-8 in the final of the HCL Squash Indian Tour 4 at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai.
In November, Anahat showcased her proficiency by narrowly defeating the experienced Chinappa 3-2 in an exhilarating all-Indian women’s final at the Daly College SRFI Indian Open squash in Indore. As the top seed and then-ranked 33rd worldwide, she emerged victorious in a thrilling 55-minute match with scores of 11-8, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9, claiming her 13th PSA title.
Point of View
I believe Anahat Singh's performance at the British Junior Open signifies her commitment and potential in the sport of squash. Despite the loss, her journey reflects the spirit of sportsmanship prevalent in India. This event highlights the importance of nurturing young talent, and Anahat's rise serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Anahat Singh at the British Junior Open?
Anahat Singh finished as the runner-up in the women's Under-19 final, narrowly losing to France's Lauren Baltayan.
What were the scores in the final match?
The final match scores were 9-11, 11-7, 3-11, 9-11 in favor of Lauren Baltayan.
Who did Anahat defeat in the semifinals?
Anahat defeated Egypt's Malika El Karaksy with scores of 11-8, 11-7, 11-9.
What is Anahat Singh's world ranking?
Anahat Singh is currently ranked 29th in the world.
How many PSA titles has Anahat won?
Anahat Singh has claimed 13 PSA titles.
