Indian Open: Local Talents Anahat, Joshna, Akansha, and Veer Advance to Third Round
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Synopsis
Anahat Singh, the newly appointed India women’s No. 1 squash player, showcased her skills in the Indian Open, joined by other local players like Joshna Chinappa and Akansha Salunkhe, who also advanced to the next round.
Key Takeaways
- Anahat Singh earns a convincing victory in the Indian Open.
- Joshna Chinappa displays remarkable precision in her match.
- Akanksha Salunkhe, the top seed, wins her opening match.
- Veer Chotrani causes an upset by defeating the fifth seed.
- Ramit Tandon faces a tough loss in a close match.
Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) The newly crowned India women’s No. 1 squash player, Anahat Singh, celebrated her ascent to the top of the rankings with a decisive victory in the second round of the Indian Open, the largest squash tournament in the country, held at the Bombay Gymkhana on Tuesday.
As this marks India’s inaugural PSA Squash Copper tournament, Day 2 showcased Anahat’s flair, while Joshna Chinappa achieved a straightforward victory. The top seed in the women’s bracket, Akanksha Salunkhe, also triumphed over Tanvi Khanna. In the men’s category, Veer Chotrani made headlines by overcoming the fifth seed, Simon Herbert.
The 17-year-old Anahat Singh, backed by JSW, faced Spain’s Cristina Gomez and utilized her strength and strategy effectively, securing the win in 30 minutes. The Indian champion, who dominated from the start, allowed her opponent little room for recovery, finishing with a score of 3-1 (11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 11-2).
Meanwhile, fifth seed Joshna Chinappa enjoyed a successful outing as she effortlessly surpassed her opponent. Competing against Sofia Mateos from Spain, Chinappa displayed remarkable control and precision throughout the match, winning in just 20 minutes with a score of 3-0 (11-1, 11-7, 11-8).
Top seed Akanksha Salunkhe also kicked off her campaign with a victory. Facing Tanvi Khanna, she delivered an outstanding performance, winning 3-1 (6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4) in 39 minutes.
In the men’s draw, Veer Chotrani, who had a morale-boosting win on Day 1, continued his impressive form, delivering the tournament's first major upset. Chotrani, a promising player from JSW, executed a stellar performance filled with power and resolve, winning 3-1 (11-4, 10-12, 16-14, 11-6).
Sixth seed Abhay Singh also competed in his second-round match against Melvil Scianimanico from France. Abhay, who has been performing well recently, maintained his momentum, overcoming his opponent smoothly. He won in 38 minutes with a score of 3-0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-7), securing his spot in the next round.
However, India’s Men’s No. 1 Ramit Tandon faced a challenging match and lost in a tightly contested game. Ramit went up against Malaysian Ameeshenraj Chandaran, with both players matching each other shot for shot, leading to a nerve-wracking final set.
Ramit, also supported by JSW, started strong, winning the first two sets comfortably before Chandaran made a comeback, winning three consecutive games. After 52 minutes, Chandaran emerged victorious with a score of 3-2 (5-11, 1-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6). Another Indian player, Velavan Senthilkumar, also faced disappointment, losing to Egyptian Kareem El Torkey with a score of 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-5).
