The Daly College SRFI Indian Open Squash 2025 witnessed one of its most dramatic evenings of squash on Thursday, with a stunning upset in the men’s draw and composed, clinical performances keeping India’s hopes alive in the women’s event.
While 17-year-old Anahat Singh and veteran Joshna Chinappa powered into the semifinals with commanding straight-game victories, the men’s section delivered marathon battles, tense finishes, and a sensational giant-killing by Egypt’s Yahya Elnawasany. For Indian fans, the day brought a mix of celebration and heartbreak. Anahat and Chinappa cruised into the last four, but Ramit Tandon and Tanvi Khanna bowed out despite spirited performances.
Anahat Singh and Joshna Chinappa Lead India’s Charge
Top seed Anahat Singh once again showcased why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in world squash. The Delhi teenager dismantled Germany’s Katerina Tycova 11-5, 11-1, 11-4 in just 17 minutes. Her relentless pace, sharp movement, and precision hitting overwhelmed Tycova, who struggled to find any foothold in the match. Singh has barely been tested all week, and her gulf in quality was evident from the outset. She now faces Ireland’s Hannah Craig in the opening semifinal on Friday at 5:30 pm IST. Craig, the third seed, also arrives in strong form after a straight-games win over Hong Kong’s Nga Ching Cheng.
On the opposite end of the age spectrum, 39-year-old Joshna Chinappa delivered a vintage performance to book her place in the semifinals. The former world No. 10 overcame Spain’s Sofía Mateos 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-3) in 19 minutes. Chinappa, who had been pushed hard in her previous round by France’s Lauren Baltayen, looked in full control throughout this contest varying pace, holding her lines, and using her experience to dictate the tempo.
Chinappa’s deep run at this event is a testament to her enduring quality and competitive spirit. With two home players still in contention, Indian fans have plenty to look forward to heading into semifinal day.
Ramit Tandon’s Brave Effort Falls Short Against Top Seed Soliman
In the men’s draw, India’s Ramit Tandon produced one of the best performances of his season but narrowly missed out on a famous upset against top seed Youssef Soliman. Backed by a lively home crowd, Tandon used deft touches in the front court and smart changes of pace to edge ahead 2-1 after losing the opening game. However, the match turned when a slip forced Tandon to seek medical attention for his knee. Soliman capitalized in the fourth game, winning it 11-3, and although Tandon tried to regroup in the decider, the world No. 10’s consistency proved decisive as he closed out the match 11-5 to win 3-2 in 74 minutes.
The loss ends India’s hopes in the men’s event, with Velavan Senthilkumar also falling earlier in the day to third seed Mohamad Zakaria in straight games.
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The headline moment of the tournament came courtesy of Egypt’s Yahya Elnawasany, who stunned Malaysia’s world No. 15 Eain Yow Ng in an extraordinary 86-minute thriller. Having never beaten Yow in two previous meetings, Elnawasany arrived with nothing to lose and played like it. After dropping the first game 11-8, the Egyptian saved two game balls at 8-10 in the second before storming back to win the tiebreak. Yow responded strongly to take the third 11-5, but Elnawasany refused to fade. He won the fourth 11-9 and then clawed back from 4-8 down in the decider to push the match into a nerve-wracking final stretch.
In an unforgettable tiebreak, Elnawasany missed four match balls before finally converting his fifth with a forehand boast that left Yow stranded. His emotional celebration reflected the magnitude of the upset. He now faces Zakaria in the semifinals.
Wilhelmi Continues Hot Streak; Conditions Force Match Relocation
Swiss player Yannick Wilhelmi extended his fine run by defeating fourth seed Sebastien Bonmalais 3-1. Coming off his biggest career title at the Czech Open, Wilhelmi maintained his momentum with disciplined line-hitting and sharp movement. Though he missed a match ball in game three, he recovered to close out the match in four.
His quarter-final was complicated by cold conditions and a rare scheduling twist due forced play indoors due to slippery courts and poor visibility. The Swiss player adapted better and will now challenge top seed Soliman in the semifinals.
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With Anahat Singh and Joshna Chinappa into the women’s semifinals, India retains strong medal hopes at the Indian Open. The men’s draw, meanwhile, promises two high-quality matchups featuring rising talents and established stars.
All semifinal clashes will be streamed live on SQUASHTV on Friday, marking what promises to be a gripping day of world-class squash in Indore.
