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Anahat Singh's Dream Run Ends: Teen Star Falls in Canadian Open SF

India's teenage squash star Anahat Singh made an impressive run at the Canadian Women's Open. The 17-year-old defeated two higher-ranked opponents to reach the semi-finals. Her dream run ended with a straight-games loss to England's top player Georgina Kennedy. Despite the defeat, this tournament marked a significant breakthrough in her professional career.

Key Points: Anahat Singh Reaches Canadian Women's Open Semi-Finals

  • Defeated World No.7 Tinne Gilis in straight games to reach semis
  • Claimed first career victory over top-20 player Melissa Alves
  • Lost 3-0 to England's top-ranked Georgina Kennedy
  • Reached first Silver-level quarter-final in breakthrough tournament performance
2 min read

Squash: Anahat's dream run at Canadian Women's Open ends in SF

India's 17-year-old squash sensation Anahat Singh reaches Canadian Women's Open semi-finals with wins over top-10 players before falling to England's Georgina Kennedy.

"She's such a natural squash player, you can't coach that deceptive swing that she has - Georgina Kennedy"

Toronto, Oct 30

India's rising star Anahat Singh’s dream run at the Canadian Women’s Open, a PSA Silver event, ended with a 3-0 defeat to England No.1 Georgina Kennedy in the semi-final.

Anahat, the World No.43, claimed two, big victories on her way to the semi-finals after defeating World No.20 Melissa Alves and defending champion and World No.7 Tinne Gilis.

However, the semi-final clash with Kennedy proved to be a step too far for the Indian teenager, as the World No.10 did an excellent job of neutralising the 17-year-old to win 11-5, 11-8, 12-10 in 30 minutes to secure her spot in the final decider.

“She’s (Anahat Singh) had a great tournament this week and I said to my coach back home that she’s such a natural squash player, you can’t coach that deceptive swing that she has and how she moves the ball around. She was maybe a little tired from the week which is to be expected,” Kennedy said.

“But I felt in control of that match throughout it all, but I’m not happy with how I ended it. I tried to end it too early and nearly got found out but I’m just glad I could get through.

“I was trying to rush her as much as possible, I didn’t want to give her time on the ball and time for her to use her deceptive swing so I just tried to hurry her and I felt like my short stuff was working well In the beginning but maybe I did a little too much at the end," she added.

The Delhi teenager's dream run included her first victory over a top 20 PSA World Rankings player by defeating Alves 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-2 to secure a quarter-final berth in a Silver-level event for the first time.

She maintained her strong performance, advancing to the semi-finals of the USD 96,250 PSA Silver event with a commanding straight-game victory over world No. 7 Tinne Gilis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Even Kennedy acknowledged her natural talent and deceptive swing. That's high praise from a top player! Semi-final in a Silver event at 17 is amazing. She'll only get better with experience.
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Michael C
Impressive run by the young Indian player. Defeating two higher-ranked players shows real potential. The score against Kennedy was competitive too - 12-10 in the third set shows she fought hard.
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Ananya R
As a squash enthusiast, I must say we need better support systems for our young athletes. Anahat's achievement is remarkable, but imagine what she could do with proper sports science and nutrition support. Still, kudos to her! 👏
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Sarah B
From Delhi to making waves internationally - what an inspiring story! Her victories over top-ranked players show that Indian athletes can compete at the highest level. Can't wait to see her in future tournaments!
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Vikram M
Kennedy's strategy of rushing her worked well, but Anahat still managed to push her in the final set. Shows she has the mental toughness. With more international exposure, she'll be unstoppable! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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