Did Anahat Singh Make History at the Canadian Open Squash?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Anahat Singh reaches quarterfinals of the Canadian Open.
- Defeated World No. 20 Melissa Alves in a thrilling match.
- Marks her first victory against a top-20 player.
- Next opponent is Tinne Gilis, the defending champion.
- Highlights the rise of Indian talent in squash.
Toronto, Oct 27 (NationPress) Current women’s national champion Anahat Singh has made her way to the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open squash, a prestigious USD 96,250 PSA Silver tournament.
The young talent from India achieved a remarkable upset on the second day by defeating World No. 20 Melissa Alves with a score of 3-1, securing her place in the quarterfinals. The Delhi teenager, ranked 43rd globally, triumphed over the French sixth seed Alves with scores of 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2 in just 41 minutes during the round of 16.
At only 17 years old, Anahat surpassed a player ranked 23 spots higher than her in the PSA World Rankings, marking her first entry into the last eight of a Silver-level event and her inaugural victory against a top-20 player.
“I’m really thrilled. She (Melissa Alves) is among the top 20, so I focused on giving my best since she’s been performing exceptionally,” Anahat expressed. “I’m genuinely excited to reach the quarters of such a major event for the first time.”
Anahat is set to face the Belgian second seed and defending champion Tinne Gilis, who overcame Torrie Malik 3-1 (11-7, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7) in 47 minutes.
Nardine Garas has also made her debut in the quarterfinals of a Silver-level event after defeating the tournament’s No. 8 seed Lucy Beecroft, while Gina Kennedy and Amanda Sobhy secured 3-0 victories over Marta Dominguez and Alicia Mead, respectively.
Meanwhile, at the Toronto Athletic Club Open, sixth seed Indian Veer Chotrani faced a tough round-of-16 match, losing to Perry Malik from England in a close five-game match, concluding with scores of 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 5-11, 11-5.
Several surprising results emerged, including World No. 95 Mohamed Nasser defeating World No. 50 Muhammad Ashab Irfan 3-2 and Mohamed Sharaf ousting the No. 8 seed Matias Knudsen 3-1.
The quarterfinals of the Canadian Women’s Open 2025 and the Toronto Athletic Club Open 2025 are set to begin on October 27.