Indian squash player Anahat Singh has reached her maiden Professional Squash Association (PSA) Gold-level semifinal at the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City, USA, after defeating Egyptian sixth seed Salma Hany in a five-game quarterfinal.
The 18-year-old, ranked world No. 15, secured a 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5 victory in 42 minutes to advance to the last four of the tournament.
Anahat's victory followed another significant result in which she defeated Egyptian world No. 3 Nour ElSherbini in straight games. ElSherbini is an eight-time world champion, making the win a notable achievement for the young Indian player. Anahat carried that momentum into her quarterfinal against Hany, who was ranked world No. 14, and recovered from losing the opening game to secure the match.
The quarterfinal began with Hany taking control, winning the first game 11-4. Anahat responded by claiming the second game 11-8, but the Egyptian regained the advantage with an 11-4 win in the third. Facing the prospect of elimination, the Indian player produced a strong response in the fourth game, winning it 11-2 to force a deciding game.
Anahat maintained her momentum in the final game, winning 11-5 to complete the comeback and seal her place in the semifinal. The five-game contest tested her ability to respond after falling behind twice, with the Indian player finishing strongly to overcome the sixth seed. The victory extended her impressive run at the tournament following her earlier win over ElSherbini.
The semifinal appearance marks an important milestone in Anahat's progress on the PSA Tour, as she reaches the last four of a Gold-level event for the first time. Her victories over two higher-ranked Egyptian opponents underline the quality of her performances in the tournament. At 18, she has continued to gain experience against established international players while competing at one of the tour's major event levels.
Anahat will now look to build on her quarterfinal success as she prepares for the semifinal at the Silicon Valley Open. The supplied report does not specify her next opponent or the scheduled match time. Her run so far, particularly the victories over ElSherbini and Hany, has secured her a place among the tournament's final four competitors and delivered a significant result for Indian squash.