Anahat Singh Triumphs at SRFI Indian Open 2025 PSA Challenger
Anahat Singh Claims Victory in Thrilling Final
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 22: Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh secured the SRFI Indian Open 2025 PSA Challenger title in a nail-biting final held in Indore, defeating seasoned player Joshna Chinappa on Saturday.
Playing at the Daly College, Anahat, who is the top seed and ranked No. 1 among Indian women squash players at world No. 33, triumphed over her unseeded and more experienced rival with a score of 3-2 (11-8, 11-13, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9) in a match that lasted 54 minutes, according to reports.
The 17-year-old Anahat started strong, taking an early lead of 7-4 in the first game. However, two-time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa, aged 39, briefly turned the tide to lead 8-7. Anahat quickly regained her composure, finishing the game with four consecutive points.
In the second game, Anahat maintained her momentum, leading 10-7, but Joshna made a comeback, scoring four points in a row to take the lead at 11-10 and ultimately winning the game 13-11. The third game mirrored this back-and-forth dynamic: Joshna led 9-8, but Anahat rallied to secure three crucial points, putting her ahead 2-1 in the match.
As the title hung in the balance, Joshna took charge at the beginning of the fourth game, racing to a 4-0 lead and extending it to 9-2. Although Anahat managed to string together four points, it wasn't enough to avoid a decisive fifth game.
In the end, Anahat emerged victorious in the fifth game, overcoming a fierce challenge from Joshna Chinappa, marking her third title of the season following her wins at the Indian Open in Mumbai and the SRFI Indian Tour title in Chennai. This victory also represents Anahat Singh's 12th PSA title overall.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Anahat faced a tough match against Ireland's Hannah Craig, winning 3-2 (11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4).
Meanwhile, Joshna secured her place in the final by defeating Egypt's second seed Nadien Elhammamy with a score of 3-1 (7-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7).