Indian squash player Abhay Singh continued to underline his growing consistency on the PSA Tour, reaching the Round of 16 at the Silicon Valley Open 2025 (Gold event) before bowing out to France’s Victor Crouin.
The 26-year-old from Chennai, currently ranked World No. 66, produced a statement performance in the opening round, defeating World No. 42 Karim El Hammamy (Egypt) in straight games a result that reaffirmed his ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents on the global stage.
In what was one of the standout upsets of the opening round, Abhay overcame Egypt’s Hammamy 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 13-11) in 43 minutes. The scoreline, while straight, belied the intensity of the encounter. From the outset, Abhay showcased tactical maturity and relentless energy using deep length, quick volleys, and an aggressive mid-court game to keep Hammamy under pressure. The first game went point-for-point, with the Indian saving two game balls before converting at 12-10 through a deft backhand drop.
The second game was a demonstration of control; Abhay maintained tight lines and forced multiple errors from the Egyptian. In the third, Hammamy mounted a late charge, but Abhay’s composure in the closing moments sealed a crucial 13-11 finish. The victory was one of the biggest of his season, particularly considering Hammamy’s higher ranking and experience on the PSA Gold circuit.
Round of 16: A Learning Battle Against Victor Crouin
In the next round, Abhay faced the formidable Victor Crouin, the World No. 12 and 5th seed at the event. The Frenchman, known for his impeccable movement and tactical precision, proved too clinical on the day, defeating Abhay 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. Despite the defeat, Abhay showed flashes of quality, particularly in the opening game where he pushed Crouin to extended rallies. The match highlighted both the progress he has made and the physical intensity required to consistently challenge the world’s elite.
For Abhay, this tournament marks another important step in his steady climb up the rankings. Since his breakthrough season in 2024 where he reached the finals of multiple PSA Challenger events and made his Asian Games debut the Chennai-born player has been quietly establishing himself as India’s most consistent performer on the men’s circuit.
Mixed Results for Indian Contingent
While Abhay’s first-round win provided a high point, it was a mixed outing for the rest of the Indian contingent at the Silicon Valley Open.
- Velavan Senthilkumar went down 0-3 to Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey, struggling to match the pace and precision of the Egyptian player in the backcourt exchanges.
- Ramit Tandon, the senior-most Indian in the draw, fought valiantly before losing 2-3 to Balazs Farkas (Hungary) in a tight five-game thriller. Ramit led 2-1 but was unable to close out the match as Farkas rallied late with accurate front-court play and superior physical endurance.
These results underline both the competitiveness of the PSA Gold level and the incremental progress of Indian players as they face more established professionals across the globe.
The Silicon Valley Open 2025 reflects the current phase of transition in Indian men’s squash. With veterans Saurav Ghosal nearing the twilight of his career and Ramit Tandon in his 30s, the focus is increasingly on the next generation led by Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar.
Abhay’s performances in recent months particularly his results against top-50 players have shown that he is ready to take on the mantle as India’s leading male player on the PSA Tour. His ability to win under pressure, especially in close games, is a promising sign as he aims to break into the top 50 in the world rankings later this year.
Meanwhile, Velavan continues to gain exposure through consistent participation in high-tier events, and Ramit’s experience remains valuable for team events and mentorship.
With this campaign in the United States, the Indian players now turn their attention to the upcoming Hong Kong Open and Cleveland Classic, both critical stops ahead of the PSA World Championships qualifiers in early 2026.
For Abhay Singh, the target is clear sustain momentum, capitalize on his growing confidence, and refine the physical and tactical aspects that separate the top-30 players from the rest. His recent victory over Hammamy and competitive showing against Crouin suggest he’s getting closer with each outing.
The Silicon Valley Open may not have ended with deep runs for the Indian contingent, but it reinforced a larger truth: Indian squash continues to produce technically skilled, mentally tough athletes who are closing the gap at the global level. For Abhay Singh, this event will be remembered as another benchmark a week where he reminded the PSA circuit that India’s next torchbearer in men’s squash is steadily on the rise.
Silicon Valley Open 2025 (PSA Gold)
Round 1: Abhay Singh 🇮🇳 def. Karim El Hammamy 🇪🇬 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 13-11)
Round of 16: Abhay Singh 🇮🇳 lost to Victor Crouin 🇫🇷 0-3
Other Indian Results:
- Velavan Senthilkumar 🇮🇳 lost to Kareem El Torkey 🇪🇬 0-3
- Ramit Tandon 🇮🇳 lost to Balazs Farkas 🇭🇺 2-3
