Veer Chotrani Upsets Kandra to Reach Hamburg Open Squash Quarters

India's Veer Chotrani scored a significant upset by defeating German eighth seed Raphael Kandra in straight games to advance to the Hamburg Open quarterfinals. His compatriots, Abhay Singh and Ramit Tandon, were both eliminated in their second-round matches. In the women's draw, India's Joshna Chinappa was defeated by New Zealand's Joelle King. England's Sam Todd, who beat Singh, will make his first appearance in a Bronze-level quarterfinal.

Key Points: Veer Chotrani Reaches Hamburg Open Squash Quarterfinals

  • Chotrani's straight-games upset
  • Abhay Singh's second-round exit
  • Ramit Tandon's defeat
  • Joshna Chinappa's loss
  • Sam Todd's quarterfinal debut
2 min read

Chotrani enters Hamburg squash quarters; Abhay, Ramit, Joshna bow out

India's Veer Chotrani stuns 8th seed Raphael Kandra to reach the Hamburg Open quarters. Abhay Singh, Ramit Tandon, and Joshna Chinappa exit.

"I know Abhay has been in good form recently... I knew it was going to be a tough match today. - Sam Todd"

Hamburg, April 17

India's world No. 47 Veer Chotrani defeated German eighth-seed Raphael Kandra 3-0 in the men's second round to move into the quarterfinals of the Hamburg Open squash, a PSA Bronze-level event.

Chotrani pulled off a major upset by defeating home favourite Kandra in straight games. The Indian dominated the match from start to finish, requiring just 30 minutes to secure an 11-8, 11-7, 11-7 victory and advance to the last eight.

However, his compatriots, fifth seed Abhay Singh and seventh seed Ramit Tandon bowed out in the second round. Singh lost to Sam Todd (England) 9-11, 11-7, 4-11, 2-11, Tandon fell to Balazs Farkas (Hungary) 10-12, 11-4, 5-11, 9-11.

Todd, will make their debut in the quarter finals of a bronze-level event, Todd, who's scooped two copper-level titles already this season, produced some of his best squash to see off Singh - who recently landed the JSW Indian Open crown - to earn himself a quarter-final showdown with the tournament's No.3 seed Fares Dessouky on Friday.

"I know Abhay has been in good form recently as he had some decent results in El Gouna and won the Indian Open. I knew it was going to be a tough match today and I've trained with him at Pontefract, which is my club, a few times so I know his game quite well as we've hit together a few times," said Todd.

In the women's section, former women's world No 10 Joshna Chinappa was beaten by eighth seed Joelle King, the Kiwi winning 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4.

Meanwhile, Spain's Marta Dominguez will also feature in the last eight of a Bronze event for the first time after overcoming No.6 seed Malliff.

Dominguez, who had never beaten the Englishwoman on Tour prior to their round two clash, ended a run of six straight defeats to advance to her maiden Bronze quarter-final by triumphing 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Mixed feelings. So happy for Veer, but a bit disappointed about Abhay and Ramit. They are seeded players, expected to go further. Hope they bounce back strong in the next tournament.
R
Rohit P
Sam Todd's comment shows how tight-knit the pro circuit is. They train together sometimes! Tough loss for Abhay, but the English player knew his game well. That's the level of preparation needed.
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Ananya R
Joshna Chinappa fought hard in that third game! At her experience level, taking a game off a top seed like Joelle King is commendable. The women's game in India needs more support and exposure to compete consistently at this level.
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Siddharth J
This is why we watch sports! The underdog story. Veer, ranked 47, beats the 8th seed. Meanwhile, the higher-ranked Spaniards and Hungarians are also causing upsets. Makes the tournament exciting. All the best for the quarters, Veer!
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Kavya N
A respectful critique: Our players' consistency is an issue. Abhay wins the Indian Open, then loses early here. Ramit also out in R2. We need better sports science and mental conditioning programs to help them perform week-in, week-out on the PSA Tour.
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David E

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