Indian upcoming squash star Abhay Singh delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating former World No.1 and 2016 World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad in the opening round of the prestigious QTerminals Qatar Classic, a PSA Platinum event.
The 25-year-old from Chennai, currently ranked World No.35 and India’s top male player, produced a performance of grit and brilliance to overcome the World No.5 Egyptian 11-6, 11-4, 1-11, 11-9 in a thrilling 41-minute encounter. This victory marks a defining moment in Abhay’s burgeoning career. Facing a player of Gawad’s pedigree former individual World Champion, three-time World Team Champion, and one of the sport’s most gifted shot-makers—Abhay showed no signs of intimidation. Instead, he played with fearless precision, using tight length and clever attacking variations to take the first two games 11-6, 11-4, racing to a commanding 2-0 lead.
Gawad, known for his silky racket skills and ability to turn matches on their head, stormed back in the third game, overwhelming Abhay with a barrage of winners to claim it 11-1. The Egyptian seemed poised to force a decider, but Abhay regrouped impressively in the fourth. Maintaining composure under pressure, the Indian matched Gawad shot for shot and seized the crucial points in the closing stages to seal the game 11-9, sending shockwaves through the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
The victory is not only a personal breakthrough but also a significant moment for Indian squash. Platinum-level tournaments, the highest tier on the PSA World Tour, attract the sport’s elite, and wins against top-five players remain rare for Indian men. Abhay’s triumph over a former World No.1 places him in the company of Indian greats like Saurav Ghosal, who famously upset higher-ranked opponents in his prime.
Abhay’s tactical discipline was evident throughout the match. He used crisp cross-court drives and sharp volleys to pin Gawad in the back corners, mixing in deceptive drops to keep the Egyptian unsettled. His physicality, honed over a rigorous off-season, allowed him to sustain high-intensity rallies and absorb Gawad’s attacking bursts without conceding control.
With this win, Abhay advances to the Round of 16, where he will face another Egyptian, Fares Dessouky, himself a dangerous opponent and former top-10 player. A victory there would further enhance Abhay’s credentials as one of the sport’s rising stars. The upset capped a dramatic first round in Doha, which saw several top seeds tumble. India’s other representative, Ramit Tandon, fell to top seed Mostafa Asal of Egypt in straight games (11-4, 11-7, 11-4), but Abhay’s heroics ensured the Indian flag remains flying high.
Abhay Singh’s progress over the past year has been remarkable. From consistent performances on the PSA Challenger circuit to breaking into the world’s top 40, he has steadily built a reputation as a fearless competitor. This win against Gawad will likely propel him further up the rankings and serve as a confidence-boosting milestone ahead of upcoming majors.
The QTerminals Qatar Classic is one of the sport’s most prestigious stops, offering valuable ranking points and featuring a field packed with the world’s best, including reigning World Champion Mostafa Asal, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, and England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy. Abhay’s early statement sends a clear message that he belongs among the elite. As he prepares for his second-round clash against Dessouky, Abhay will carry not just the momentum of this historic win but also the hopes of Indian squash fans eager to see a new star emerge on the global stage. A deep run in Doha could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Indian men’s squash one where Abhay Singh stands as its leading light.
QTerminals Qatar Classic 2025 – Men’s First Round (Selected Results):
- Abhay Singh (IND) bt [5] Karim Gawad (EGY) 3-1: 11-6, 11-4, 1-11, 11-9 (41m)
- [1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Ramit Tandon (IND) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 (35m)
- Iker Pajares (ESP) bt [6] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-2, 11-8 (39m)
- Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt [4] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 3-0: 16-14, 11-7, 12-10 (47m)
Next up for India’s Abhay Singh vs. Fares Dessouky (EGY) in the Round of 16. Another win there would not only be a career first but also reinforce his status as India’s next big hope on the PSA World Tour.
