The opening round of the Daly College SRFI Indian Open 2025, a PSA World Tour Bronze event, delivered a memorable day for Indian squash as Veer Chotrani, Velavan Senthilkumar, and wildcard Suraj Kumar Chand produced confident and in one case, historic performances to advance to the Round of 16.
With the temporary glass court set against the stunning backdrop of Indore’s iconic Daly College, illuminated in a vibrant rotation of colours, the tournament began with the atmosphere befitting a marquee World Tour event in India.
The first big moment for India arrived under a bright red-lit façade, when World No. 53 Veer Chotrani stepped onto the glass court to face Israel’s Daniel Poleshchuk (WR 83). The 23-year-old, who has been steadily climbing the rankings over the past year, opened his campaign with a 3-0 win (12-10, 11-5, 11-5) in 26 minutes.
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Although the scoreline suggests a routine victory, Chotrani had to dig deep early. Trailing 8-10 in the first game, he saved two game balls before clinching the tiebreak. That turnaround broke open the match. With his soft hands and growing command at the front of the court, he dictated pace and placements in the next two games, conceding just five points each. The win made him the second of four Indians to triumph on the glass court on opening day.
Wildcard Suraj Kumar Chand Produces the Match of the Day
If Chotrani’s efficiency set the tone, Suraj Kumar Chand’s match set the evening alight.
Chand, ranked World No. 144 and entering the draw as a wildcard, achieved the biggest win of his career his first-ever victory at a World Tour event by defeating Egypt’s Yassin Elshafei (WR 79) in a thrilling 3-2 battle (11-3, 6-11, 3-11, 11-7, 17-15) that lasted a full hour.
What unfolded on the traditional courts earlier in the day was a study in resilience. Chand flew out of the blocks with an 11-3 opener, but Elshafei clawed back strongly, taking the next two games with superior length and control. Down 1-2, Chand refused to let go. Feeding off the growing and increasingly vocal Indore crowd, he elevated his tempo, forcing a fifth game that would become the most dramatic contest of the round.
The decider was point-for-point throughout, with neither player leading by more than two. Elshafei earned five match balls, but Chand saved each one with courageous attacking volleys and tight lines under pressure. On his second match ball, the Mumbai player closed out the match 17-15, letting out a roar that echoed around the hall. The result not only sends him into the Round of 16 but also marks a breakthrough moment in his young professional career.
Velavan Senthilkumar Completes the Indian Treble
Wrapping up a strong opening day for India was World No. 47 Velavan Senthilkumar, who put in a composed performance to defeat Spain’s Ivan Perez (WR 67) 3-1 (11-3, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5) in 55 minutes.
Senthilkumar dominated early with accurate length and quick movement, but Perez responded well in the second game. The third game proved decisive Velavan held his nerve in a tight 11-9 finish and carried that momentum into the fourth, closing out the match confidently. For the Chennai-based player, the win sets up a solid platform as he aims for a deep run at one of India’s showpiece PSA events.
Meanwhile, 5th seed Abhay Singh, India’s top-ranked player in the draw, received a bye in the Round of 32. He will open his campaign in the Round of 16 against Switzerland’s Yannick Wilhelmi (WR 41), who advanced after a straight-games win over Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran.
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A standout feature of the event has been its breathtaking setting. The glass court, installed on the manicured lawns of Daly College, has quickly become one of the most picturesque squash venues on the global circuit. From the radiant colours bathing the heritage building to the enthusiastic home crowd, the ambience has added an extra dimension to the on-court battles.
Round Two of the Daly College SRFI Indian Open 2025 begins at 1:00 PM IST on Wednesday, November 19, with live streaming available on SQUASHTV. With three Indians already through and Abhay Singh set to enter the fray the home challenge looks strong heading into the business end of the tournament.
Men’s Round One Key Results:
- Suraj Kumar Chand (IND) bt. Yassin Elshafei (EGY) 3-2
- Veer Chotrani (IND) bt. Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR) 3-0
- Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) bt. Ivan Perez (ESP) 3-1
A promising start for India and plenty more squash to come in Indore.
