How Did India Knock Out Egypt to Reach the Final of the Squash World Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India secured a historic 3-0 victory over Egypt in the Squash World Cup 2025.
- Velavan Senthilkumar and Anahat Singh were instrumental in India's success.
- This is India's first final appearance in the Squash World Cup.
- India previously won a bronze medal in 2023.
- The final match will take place against Hong Kong, China.
Mumbai, Dec 13 (NationPress) National champions Velavan Senthilkumar and Anahat Singh achieved a remarkable feat by winning their respective men's and women's singles matches, leading India to a stunning 3-0 victory over two-time defending champions Egypt and securing a place in the final of the Squash World Cup 2025 at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Saturday.
Senthilkumar dominated his match with a score of 3-0, while Anahat faced a challenging contest, eventually prevailing 3-2. Abhay Singh then clinched the final win with a 3-1 score, making history as India reached the final.
In the opening match, Senthilkumar, ranked 45th among men, propelled India forward by defeating world No. 96 Ibrahim Elkabbani with scores of 7-1, 7-3, 7-6. Anahat Singh, the youngest player in the tournament at 17 and making her World Cup debut, extended India's lead to 2-0 with a hard-fought 6-7, 7-5, 7-3, 3-7, 7-3 victory against the 44th-ranked Nour Heikal. Abhay Singh then wrapped up the match by defeating Adam Hawal 3-1 (scores: 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6).
This victory meant that Joshna Chinappa's match against Nardine Garas was rendered unnecessary.
This marks India's finest achievement in the Squash World Cup since its inception in 1996, surpassing their previous best of a bronze medal in 2023, and sets up a gold-medal showdown against Hong Kong, China on Sunday at the Indian Squash Academy.
Earlier in the tournament, India showcased their strength by defeating both Switzerland and Brazil with 4-0 margins in the group stage, progressing to the quarter-finals where they triumphed over South Africa with a 3-0 win.
The 2025 edition, organized by World Squash, is the fifth iteration of the tournament and the third consecutive year it has been hosted in Chennai.
Twelve nations participated initially, divided into four groups of three teams, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals.
This outstanding performance by India eclipses their semifinal appearance in 2023, where they faced a loss against Malaysia, settling for a bronze medal at the same venue.