Indian squash enjoyed a statement day at the Windy City Open, a PSA Platinum event, as Abhay Singh produced one of the biggest wins of his career while teenage prodigy Anahat Singh continued her meteoric rise on the global stage.
Both players powered into the Round of 16 with commanding 3–1 victories, setting up blockbuster clashes against the very best in the world.
Abhay Singh Topples Fares Dessouky
Abhay Singh (World No. 29) delivered a performance of composure and controlled aggression to defeat Egypt’s Fares Dessouky (World No. 15) in four games: 12–10, 9–11, 11–9, 11–2. Coming up against a player ranked 14 places above him and known for his flair and unpredictability, Abhay executed a near-flawless tactical plan.
The opening game was a tight exchange, with both players trading points deep into sudden death. Abhay held his nerve at 10-all, closing it out 12–10 with precise length and disciplined shot selection. Dessouky responded in the second game, edging ahead 11–9 as he found his rhythm in mid-court exchanges.
However, the turning point came in the third game. Abhay tightened his lines, forced longer rallies, and capitalised on errors, sealing it 11–9 to regain the advantage. The fourth game was emphatic. Abhay dominated from the outset, racing to an 11–2 finish, leaving Dessouky struggling to cope with the Indian’s pace and accuracy.
The victory marks one of Abhay’s most significant wins on the PSA Tour and reinforces his growing stature as a consistent threat in Platinum events. Next up is the ultimate challenge: a Round of 16 clash against World No. 1 Mostafa Asal of Egypt. Facing the top-ranked player in the world will test Abhay’s physical endurance and mental resilience, but his performance against Dessouky signals that he belongs at this level.
Anahat Singh: Teenage Trailblazer
If Abhay’s win was a statement of maturity, Anahat Singh’s performance was another chapter in a career that continues to defy age and expectation. The 16-year-old World No. 19 overcame Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy (World No. 29) 3–1 (11–13, 11–5, 11–6, 11–6) in a display of resilience and tactical clarity. Anahat dropped a closely contested opening game 11–13, where Mickawy edged ahead in the crucial points. But the response was immediate and emphatic. The Indian teenager recalibrated her approach, finding greater depth on her drives and increasing the tempo of rallies.
She stormed through the second game 11–5, establishing control of the T and dictating play. From there, Anahat barely looked back. The third and fourth games were clinical, both ending 11–6 as she imposed her athleticism and superior court coverage.
The win continues Anahat’s remarkable trajectory. Already a three-time National Champion, she has amassed 15 PSA titles and played a key role in India’s historic Squash World Cup triumph. Notably, she became the youngest-ever Asian player to break into the world’s Top 20 — a milestone that underlines her extraordinary potential.
Her next opponent will be Belgium’s Tinne Gilis (World No. 10), a seasoned campaigner with deep experience at the elite level. It promises to be a stern test, but Anahat’s fearless approach and ability to adapt mid-match make her a genuine contender.
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The dual victories at the Windy City Open reflect the depth and upward momentum of Indian squash. Competing in a PSA Platinum event the highest tier outside the World Championships against predominantly Egyptian opposition, both Abhay and Anahat demonstrated the technical and mental standards required at the sport’s summit.
Egypt has long dominated world squash, and victories over top-30 Egyptian players carry significant weight. For Abhay to dismantle a top-15 opponent and for Anahat to control a seasoned rival after a first-game setback highlights not just individual brilliance but systemic progress.
Their performances also reinforce the importance of exposure at the highest level. Regular competition against elite opponents sharpens tactical awareness and builds match temperament qualities both players showcased in Chicago.
The Round of 16 presents daunting challenges. Abhay’s meeting with Mostafa Asal pits him against arguably the most physically dominant player on tour. Anahat’s clash with Tinne Gilis offers a contrast in styles youth and explosiveness against experience and structure. Yet, irrespective of the results to come, both Indians have already made a significant impact at the Windy City Open. They have proven that Indian squash is not merely participating at Platinum events but competing and winning against established global names.
For Anahat, the journey continues to look extraordinary. For Abhay, the upset victory signals readiness to consistently challenge higher-ranked players.
In a sport often defined by fine margins and relentless intensity, India’s young stars have shown that they are prepared to embrace the grind and reshape the narrative on the world stage.
