Mumbai witnessed a gripping day of high-quality squash as Day 2 of the JSW Indian Open 2026 at the CCI Brabourne Stadium delivered a compelling mix of dominant Indian performances, major upsets, and intense five-game battles.
With the tournament moving into its decisive stages, the action on court reflected both the growing depth of Indian squash and the unpredictable nature of PSA-level competition.
At the heart of the day’s narrative were strong performances from Indian players, led by Abhay Singh and top seed Anahat Singh, who both progressed with authority. Alongside them, Tanvi Khanna and Joshna Chinappa added to the home contingent’s success, ensuring India remained firmly in contention across both draws.
Abhay Singh Leads Indian Charge
In the men’s draw, Abhay Singh produced one of the most clinical performances of the day, dispatching Hong Kong’s Matthew Lai in straight games. While the opening exchanges were competitive, Abhay quickly settled into his rhythm, using controlled aggression and precise shot selection to dictate rallies.
His 3-0 win (11-5, 11-6, 11-6) underlined his growing maturity on the PSA Tour. More importantly, it highlighted his ability to manage tempo and maintain consistency key attributes as the competition intensifies heading into the latter rounds.
In the women’s draw, all eyes remained on Anahat Singh, and the top seed did not disappoint. Facing Egypt’s Farida Walid, Anahat delivered a composed and controlled performance, winning 3-0 (11-6, 11-9, 11-5).
Her ability to blend precision with patience stood out, as she neutralised Walid’s attacking threats while maintaining control of the rallies. Anahat’s run so far has reinforced her status as one of India’s brightest squash prospects, especially with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon.
Tanvi Khanna added another highlight for India with a confident straight-games victory over Egypt’s Nour Khafagy. Despite Khafagy’s attempts to push the pace, Khanna held her composure in key moments, sealing a 3-0 win (11-5, 11-9, 11-9). Her performance was defined by tactical discipline and clutch execution qualities that will be crucial as she faces tougher opponents in the upcoming rounds.
Veteran Joshna Chinappa also showcased her experience and resilience, overcoming Ireland’s Breanne Flynn in a hard-fought four-game contest. Chinappa’s ability to raise her level in pressure situations proved decisive, as she controlled the match in key phases to secure progression.
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While Indian players dominated the headlines, the day also featured dramatic upsets and marathon encounters that highlighted the tournament’s competitive depth.
Egypt’s Ibrahim Elkabbani produced the biggest shock of the tournament so far, defeating top seed Yahya Elnawasany in a thrilling five-game battle. After dropping the first game, Elkabbani fought back with remarkable composure to clinch the match 3-2 in 66 minutes, marking a significant upset.
Similarly, Mohamed Sharaf edged past Hong Kong’s Chi Him Wong in another gripping five-set contest. Matches like these not only added drama but also underscored the fine margins at this level of squash.
While Abhay and Veer Chotrani progressed, it was a mixed day for other Indian men. Veer Chotrani looked in complete control before his opponent Yannik Omlor retired, allowing him to advance comfortably. However, Velavan Senthilkumar and Ramit Tandon bowed out despite competitive performances. Velavan pushed Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran in all three games but fell short in crucial moments, while Tandon was edged out by Duncan Lee in a straight-games contest that was closer than the scoreline suggested.
Om Semwal, who had produced a heroic comeback win on Day 1, could not replicate that performance, going down to Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva in straight games. The presence of a strong international field has added significant depth to the tournament. Players like Yassin Shohdy, Hana Moataz, and Nadien Elhammamy progressed with convincing wins, ensuring that the competition remains wide open.
Malaysia, in particular, has had a strong showing, with multiple players advancing across both draws, while Egypt continues to demonstrate its traditional strength in squash.
Quarter-Finals Beckon
With the tournament now moving into the quarter-final stage, the intensity is expected to rise further. For the Indian contingent, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and converting strong performances into deep runs.
Anahat Singh remains a strong title contender, while Abhay Singh’s form positions him as a serious challenger in the men’s draw. Tanvi Khanna and Joshna Chinappa will also look to build on their performances and push for semifinal spots.
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Beyond individual results, the JSW Indian Open continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s squash ecosystem. Hosting a PSA event of this calibre provides Indian players with invaluable exposure against top international competition something that is essential for long-term growth.
Day 2 served as a reminder of how far Indian squash has come, with multiple players competing confidently against global opponents. At the same time, it highlighted the work still required to consistently challenge for titles at the highest level. As the tournament heads into its business end, one thing is clear Indian players are not just participating; they are competing, adapting, and increasingly, winning.
