India’s Veer Chotrani delivered one of the most spirited performances of his season at the 2026 New Zealand Open Squash, pushing World No. 6 and second seed Joel Makin to the limit before narrowly going down in a thrilling five-game Round of 16 contest in Christchurch.
The World No. 45 Indian fought back from two games down to force a decider before eventually losing 12-14, 12-14, 11-8, 11-9, 2-11 in a gripping match that showcased both his resilience and growing competitiveness on the PSA Tour. Despite the defeat, Chotrani’s performance against the 2025 PSA Tour Finals champion underlined his steady progress on the international circuit and hinted at a promising future for the Indian squash player.
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Chotrani had begun his New Zealand Open campaign in impressive fashion, cruising past local player Elijah Thomas in the opening round. The Indian completely controlled the match from the outset, displaying superior movement, shot selection, and tactical discipline to register a commanding 3-0 victory (11-2, 11-4, 11-5) in just 23 minutes.
The one-sided nature of the contest highlighted Chotrani’s confidence and readiness to compete deep into the tournament. His precise length shots and relentless pressure forced repeated errors from the New Zealand player, ensuring a comfortable progression to the Round of 16.
However, the next challenge was significantly tougher. Awaiting him was Joel Makin, the Welsh star ranked World No. 6 and the second seed at the tournament widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding and tactically disciplined players on the PSA World Tour.
Tough Opening Games Against Makin
Facing an opponent of Makin’s calibre is always a stern test. Known for his exceptional fitness, defensive solidity, and ability to extend rallies, the Welshman rarely offers easy points. The opening game reflected exactly that.
Chotrani matched Makin rally for rally, refusing to be intimidated by the higher-ranked opponent. The rallies were long and intense, with both players probing for openings through tight length shots and well-disguised drops.
Despite the Indian’s strong resistance, Makin edged the first game 14-12, capitalising on a few key moments at the end. The second game followed a similar pattern. Chotrani continued to play attacking squash, mixing aggressive boasts with sharp drops to disrupt Makin’s rhythm. Yet once again the Welshman held his nerve in the crucial stages, clinching another tight 14-12 win.
At two games down against the World No. 6, the match appeared to be slipping away. But Chotrani had other ideas.
Stunning Comeback from the Indian
Refusing to surrender, the Indian produced a remarkable response in the third game.
He began attacking the front corners more aggressively, forcing Makin to move forward repeatedly and creating opportunities to control the pace of rallies. The shift in strategy paid off as Chotrani took the game 11-8, reducing the deficit and injecting fresh energy into the contest.
The momentum had shifted. In the fourth game, Chotrani elevated his performance even further. His retrievals became sharper, his shot placement more precise, and his movement across the court noticeably quicker.
Makin attempted to regain control through long rallies, but the Indian continued to push the tempo. A series of well-executed winners allowed Chotrani to claim the fourth game 11-9, sending the match into a decisive fifth game. From two games down against the World No. 6, Chotrani had forced a dramatic turnaround.
Experience Prevails in the Decider
However, the final game illustrated why Makin remains one of the world’s elite players. Drawing on his experience and physical endurance, the Welshman raised his level immediately in the decider. He began dictating rallies more effectively, forcing Chotrani into defensive positions and limiting the Indian’s attacking opportunities.
Makin quickly established control and raced through the deciding game 11-2, closing out the match after an intense five-game battle.
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Although Chotrani ultimately fell short, the performance was widely viewed as a significant step forward in his development. Taking two games off a top-six player on the PSA Tour is no small feat, particularly after being two games down. His ability to adapt tactically and maintain composure under pressure highlighted both his mental resilience and technical maturity.
For Indian squash, Chotrani’s performance represents a positive sign as the country continues to search for the next generation of players capable of challenging the world’s best.
Elsewhere in the tournament, it was a mixed outing for Indian players. Veteran Joshna Chinappa suffered a narrow defeat in the women’s draw, losing 2-3 to Egypt’s Nour Heikal in a hard-fought contest. Meanwhile, Velavan Senthilkumar also exited after a closely contested five-game match, reflecting the intense competition present at PSA Tour events.
For Veer Chotrani, the New Zealand Open may not have resulted in a quarterfinal berth, but it delivered something equally valuable proof that he can compete with the world’s top players. His spirited fightback against Joel Makin demonstrated the technical and physical qualities needed to climb higher in the rankings.
If he continues to produce performances of this level, it may only be a matter of time before Chotrani begins turning these close battles into major victories on the PSA World Tour.
