Om Semwal Stuns Sebastian Salazar on Day 1 of Indian Open 2026

The Indian Open 2026 kicked off with an electrifying performance from Om Semwal, who upset higher-ranked Sebastian Salazar in a gripping five-game match. Semwal's remarkable composure under pressure led him to save five match points before securing victory. Other notable matches included Yassin Shohdy's comeback win and several straight-game victories from top players. As the tournament progresses, Indian stars like Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh are set to begin their campaigns. This event is crucial as squash prepares for its Olympic debut in 2028, making it a significant stop on the circuit.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 23:04 IST

Exciting Start to Indian Open 2026

In a thrilling opening day at the Indian Open 2026, Om Semwal from India achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the higher-ranked Mexican player, Sebastian Salazar, in a tense five-game match held in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old Semwal, currently ranked 223rd globally, displayed exceptional poise under pressure, overcoming world No. 109 Salazar with a score of 3-2 at the CCI Brabourne Stadium. Semwal saved five match points during the match before clinching one of the most significant victories of his career in a nail-biting finish.

Another highlight of the day was Egypt's Yassin Shohdy, who made a strong comeback to win against France's Manuel Paquemar with a score of 3-1. After narrowly losing the first game 10-12, Shohdy bounced back to win the second game 13-11 and maintained control to secure the match.

Switzerland's Ambre Allinckx also advanced with a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands' Tessa ter Sluis, while Egypt's Ibrahim Elkabbani triumphed over India's Suraj Kumar Chand by the same margin.

In several other matches, Hong Kong's Wong Chi Him, Spain's Sofia Mateos, Matthew Lai, and Danielle Ray all achieved straightforward victories, winning their matches in straight games.

Top Indian players, including reigning women's champion Anahat Singh and Asian Games medallist Abhay Singh, are set to begin their campaigns on Thursday after receiving first-round byes, alongside Veer Chotrani, Joshna Chinappa, and Ramit Tandon.

This tournament is a crucial event on the squash circuit as the sport gears up for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, with both emerging and established players eager to make their presence felt.

India Open 2026 Squash Day 1 Results

Women's Round 1

1. Breanne Flynn (IRL) defeated Lea Barbeau (FRA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-2, 14-12 (29m)

2. Ambre Allinckx (SUI) defeated Tessa ter Sluis (NED) 3-1: 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6 (34m)

3. Sofia Mateos (ESP) defeated Shameena Riaz (IND) 3-0: 11-2, 11-8, 11-4 (21m)

4. Elise Romba (FRA) defeated Risa Sugimoto (JPN) 3-0: 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 (19m)

5. Danielle Ray (CAN) defeated Rathika Suthanthira Seelan (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-3, 11-5 (23m)

6. Tanvi Khanna (IND) defeated Maya Weishar (GER) 3-1: 15-13, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4 (37m)

7. Farida Walid (EGY) defeated Nirupama Dubey (IND) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 (19m)

8. Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) defeated Unnati Tripathi (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-4 (18m)

Men's Round 1

1. Chi Him Wong (HKG) defeated Ayaan Vaziralli (IND) 3-0: 11-4, 11-6, 11-3 (27m)

2. Yannik Omlor (GER) defeated Yash Fadte (IND) 3-0: 13-11, 11-9, 12-10 (48m)

3. Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) defeated Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) 3-1: 12-14, 11-4, 11-1, 11-6 (48m)

4. Om Semwal (IND) defeated Sebastian Salazar (MEX) 3-2: 11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17 (72m)

5. Matthew Lai (HKG) defeated Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (MAS) 3-0: 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (36m)

6. Yassin Shohdy (EGY) defeated Manuel Paquemar (FRA) 3-1: 10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-7 (48m)

7. Duncan Lee (MAS) defeated Ravindu Laksiri (SRI) 3-1: 9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 11-5 (38m)

8. Ameeshenraj Chandaran (MAS) defeated Naoki Hayashi (JPN) 3-1: 8-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-9 (54m).