Anahat Singh’s dream ends against a familiar foe at the Silicon Valley Open

India’s Anahat Singh saw her dream run at the Silicon Valley Open come to an end in the semifinals when she lost 1-3 to Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam in Redwood City, California on Friday.

The 18-year-old Indian, world number 15 and reigning junior world champion, lost 11-5, 6-11, 4-11, 7-11 against the world number four in a 37-minute encounter. Anahat started well, taking the opening game, but Sivasangari recovered to win the next three to book her place in the final.

It was another frustrating defeat for Anahat against a familiar opponent who also lost to Sivasangari in the women’s singles final at the Asian Games earlier this month. The Malaysian won that match 3-0 and Saturday’s result marked Anahat’s third defeat against her in as many meetings, according to PTI.

However, a semi-final exit should not detract from what has been a landmark campaign for the Indian teenager. Anahat reached her first semi-final at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) gold level, becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2019 to reach the last four at that level.

Including her running one of the biggest wins of her young careera straight games victory over Egypt’s eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini. Anahat beat the top seed and world No. 3 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in 30 minutes to advance to the quarterfinals.

She followed that up with a spirited comeback against Egypt’s Salma Hanyová in the round of 16. After falling behind twice, Anahat rallied to win 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5 in 42 minutes, showing the resilience that has marked her campaign in California.

ANAHAT IS SO DANGEROUS: SIVASANGARI

Sivasangari, meanwhile, acknowledged the threat posed by the young Indian and praised her talent and potential after their semi-final clash.

“Anahat is very talented and so dangerous,” said Sivasangari, who defeated Anahat 3-0 in the women’s singles final at the Asian Games.

“She’s definitely one of the top girls now and she’s still so young. I started a bit slow going into today’s match but I got back into it and I’m glad I finished,” she added, according to PTI.

For Anahat, the result marks the end of a campaign that has underlined its growing ability to compete with the world’s leading players. After winning the world junior title and silver at the Asian Games recently, the Indian teenager has continued to make significant strides on the senior circuit.

While Sivasangari again proved a tough opponent to overcome, Anahat’s breakthrough run in California offered further evidence of her potential to challenge an established name.

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