Valiant Campaigns End in Pre-Quarters for Anahat and Abhay at Windy City Open

India’s rising squash stars Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh signed off from the prestigious Windy City Open with courageous performances in the pre-quarterfinals, marking another significant step in their rapid ascent on the PSA Platinum Tour.

Competing against some of the very best in the world, both players showcased belief, skill, and temperament. While the results did not fall in India’s favour in the last 16, their campaigns reinforced the growing presence of Indian squash on the global stage.

World No.19 Anahat Singh entered the pre-quarterfinal brimming with confidence after a strong opening-round win. The teenage sensation had earlier defeated Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy (WR 29) 3–1, recovering from a tight first-game loss (11–13) to dominate the next three games 11–5, 11–6, 11–6. It was a composed, mature performance that underlined why she has been widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the women’s game.

Awaiting her in the Round of 16 was Belgium’s Tinne Gilis, the World No.10 and seventh seed. What followed was one of the most gripping matches of the round.

Anahat started fearlessly. She dictated rallies early, controlled the pace from the front of the court, and took advantage of loose lengths from Gilis. The Indian raced to a 2–0 lead, winning the first two games 11–6, 11–9. Her shot selection was sharp, and her movement crisp a clear statement that she was not intimidated by ranking or reputation. However, elite-level squash demands sustained intensity, and Gilis responded with the composure of a seasoned campaigner. The Belgian began extending rallies, forcing Anahat into longer exchanges and testing her physical reserves. The momentum shifted as Gilis claimed the third game 11–4.

From there, the tide turned decisively. Gilis tightened her lines, reduced errors, and maintained relentless pressure. Anahat fought hard but could not regain control as the Belgian closed out the final two games 11–6, 11–4 to seal a 3–2 victory. Despite the heartbreak of letting a 2–0 lead slip, the performance was a major statement. Pushing a top-10 player to five games on the PSA Platinum stage highlights Anahat’s accelerating development and growing tactical maturity.

On the men’s side, World No.29 Abhay Singh produced one of the shocks of the tournament in the previous round. The Indian stunned World No.15 Fares Dessouky of Egypt with a clinical 3–1 win (12–10, 9–11, 11–9, 11–2), displaying attacking intent and intelligent shot construction. The victory earned him a blockbuster pre-quarterfinal clash against World No.1 Mostafa Asal arguably the most dominant force in men’s squash at present.

Facing Asal is a different challenge altogether. The Egyptian’s combination of power, reach, and court coverage demands near-perfect execution. Abhay entered the match with nothing to lose and approached it with admirable composure.

The final scoreline 8–11, 5–11, 7–11 suggests a straight-game defeat, but it does not fully reflect the competitiveness of the exchanges. Abhay held his own in several rallies, absorbing pressure and attempting to vary pace to disrupt Asal’s rhythm. However, the World No.1’s precision under pressure and physical dominance proved decisive. Asal capitalised on key moments in each game, especially during mid-game surges, to prevent Abhay from building sustained momentum.

For Abhay, the match was a valuable benchmark. Competing against the very top of the sport at a Platinum event provides insights no training session can replicate. The experience of matching up against the sport’s benchmark will serve him well moving forward.

While both players exited in the pre-quarterfinals, the broader takeaway is overwhelmingly positive.

Anahat’s ability to take a top-10 opponent to five games after already securing a convincing opening win underscores her rapid evolution at just 17. Abhay’s upset over a top-15 player and his composed showing against the World No.1 confirm that he belongs in the conversation at elite events.

Competing deep into a PSA Platinum draw is not routine; it is earned. Both players demonstrated that Indian squash is no longer content with participation it is pushing toward consistent contention. The heartbreaks at Chicago are part of the growth curve. If anything, their performances at the Windy City Open signal that bigger breakthroughs may not be far away.