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Indian Open Squash: Abhay, Anahat Win as Upsets & Thrillers Headline Day 2

Day 2 of the Indian Open 2026 featured commanding wins from Indian stars Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh. The day was highlighted by a major upset as Egypt's Ibrahim Elkabbani defeated top seed Yahya Elnawasany in a gripping five-game battle. Other notable performances included Joshna Chinappa's victory and Tanvi Khanna's composed win. The competition now moves to the quarter-finals with more high-quality matchups promised.

Key Points: Indian Open Squash 2026: Day 2 Results, Upsets, and Wins

  • Abhay Singh's commanding win
  • Anahat Singh's strong run continues
  • Ibrahim Elkabbani's major upset
  • Joshna Chinappa's hard-fought victory
  • Multiple marathon five-game thrillers
3 min read

Indian Open squash: Abhay and Anahat shine as upsets and comebacks headline Day 2

Indian stars Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh shine on Day 2 of the Indian Open squash, featuring major upsets and thrilling five-game comebacks.

"Elkabbani pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating top seed Yahya Elnawasany 3-2."

Mumbai, March 19

Indian stars Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh made a winning start on Day 2 of the Indian Open 2026, which delivered high-octane squash at the CCI, with a mix of dominant performances, stunning comebacks, and marathon five-game thrillers.

Indian stars rose to the occasion, delivering commanding performances in the competition being held at the Barbourne Stadium complex.

The standout clashes came from Egypt's Ibrahim Elkabbani and Mohamed Sharaf, both of whom emerged victorious in gripping five-game encounters. Elkabbani pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating top seed Yahya Elnawasany 3-2 in a 66-minute battle. Additionally, Sharaf edged past Hong Kong's Chi Him Wong in another pulsating five-setter.

India's Abhay Singh produced a clinical performance to overcome Matthew Lai of Hong Kong. Despite a tight start, Abhay found his rhythm and dominated proceedings to secure a commanding 3-0 win. In the women's draw,

Tanvi Khanna impressed with a composed and confident display against Egypt's Nour Khafagy. While Khafagy pushed hard in each game, Khanna held her nerve in crucial moments to wrap up a 3-0 victory.

Top seed Anahat Singh also continued her strong run, registering a solid straight games win over Farida Walid of Egypt. Anahat maintained control throughout the match, blending precision and consistency to secure her place in the next round, winning the game 3-0.

Veer Chotrani stamped his authority early, racing ahead before an unfortunate retirement from Omlor cut the contest short. Joshna Chinappa showcased her class and big-match temperament, powering past a gritty Breanne Flynn in a hard-fought four-game clash. Despite a spirited effort, Velavan Senthilkumar pushed hard in each game but fell short against a composed Ameeshenraj Chandaran. Ramit Tandon showed glimpses of his quality but was edged out by Duncan Lee in a tightly contested straight-games encounter.

With the competition intensifying, Day 3 promises more high-quality matchups as players battle in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Results (Day 2):

Men's Singles: Ameeshenraj Chandaran (MAS) bt. Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-9; Duncan Lee (MAS) bt. Ramit Tandon (IND) 3-0: 11-9, 11-4, 11-9; Yassin Shohdy (EGY) bt. Dewald van Niekerk (RSA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-6; Abhay Singh (IND) bt. Matthew Lai (HKG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-6; Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) bt. Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) 3-2: 4-11, 11-8, 12-10, 6-11, 11-9; Sanjay Jeeva (MAS) bt. Om Semwal (IND) 3-0: 11-5, 11-5, 11-2; Mohamed Sharaf (EGY) bt. Chi Him Wong (HKG) 3-2: 10-12, 11-3, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6; Veer Chotrani (IND) bt. Yannik Omlor (GER) 3-0: 5-3 ret.

Women's singles: Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bt. Enora Villard (FRA) 3-0: 11-7, 12-10, 11-8; Anahat Singh (IND) bt. Farida Walid (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-5; Tanvi Khanna (IND) bt. Nour Khafagy (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-9, 11-9; Ainaa Amani (MAS) bt. Danielle Ray (CAN) 3-1: 11-3, 9-11, 11-4, 11-2; Hana Moataz (EGY) bt. Sofía Mateos (ESP) 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-4; Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MAS) bt. Elise Romba (FRA) 3-1: 8-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-4; Joshna Chinappa (IND) bt. Breanne Flynn (IRL) 3-1: 12-10, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9; Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt. Ambre Allinckx (SUI) 3-0: 11-4, 11-4, 11-7.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The Egyptian players are just on another level, yaar. That upset by Elkabbani was insane! 66-minute marathon. Our players are getting there, but the consistency at the highest pressure points is what separates the best. Joshna Chinappa's win shows that experience counts for everything.
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David E
Following from the UK. The depth in squash is incredible now. Great to see a strong Malaysian contingent doing well too. The Indian Open is becoming a real highlight on the PSA tour. Hoping for an Abhay vs. Elkabbani match later on!
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Ananya R
So proud of Tanvi Khanna! Holding her nerve against a tough Egyptian opponent is no small feat. The women's team is looking very strong with Anahat, Joshna, and Tanvi. Let's go girls! 💪 #SquashRising
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Vikram M
The results show a clear pattern - we are competitive but not converting enough. Three 3-0 losses for our men against Malaysian players is a concern. Need better mental conditioning and strategy for the big points. Otherwise, great spirit shown by all.
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Sarah B
The five-game thrillers sound absolutely exhausting! Huge respect for the athletes. It's wonderful to see such a prestigious tournament being hosted in Mumbai. The CCI is a fantastic venue.

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