Squash: Anahat Clinches First PSA Bronze Title in Washington

Washington: Teenage prodigy and seventh seed Anahat Singh claimed her maiden PSA Bronze-level title by defeating top seed and World No. 10 Georgina Kennedy of England 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 in the final of the Squash on Fire Open.

This victory marks the biggest title of Anahat’s young career and her 15th overall on the PSA Tour. Currently ranked World No. 31, the Indian has featured in 26 PSA tournaments so far.

Kennedy, who had beaten Anahat 3-0 in their only previous meeting at this season’s Canadian Women’s Open, began strongly and earned two game balls at 10-8 in the opening game. However, Anahat responded with four consecutive points to snatch the game, celebrating with an emotional roar as she seized early momentum.

In the second game, Anahat trailed 2-3 briefly but soon took control, showcasing a varied and aggressive game with attacking boasts, sharp winners, and well-judged lobs. A run of four straight points gave her a 6-3 lead, and she dropped only two more points to move one game away from the title.

Kennedy needed a fast start in the third game to mount a comeback, but Anahat once again dominated early, racing to a 5-1 lead within minutes. She soon moved to 10-6 and four match balls. Although the first was saved, Anahat sealed the match soon after with a crisp forehand boast winner to cap a memorable week.

“I’m extremely happy. I knew I wanted to do well in these events, improve my ranking and put in strong performances, and I’m glad I was able to do that this time,” Anahat said after defeating the World No. 10.

The 17-year-old reached her first PSA Bronze-level final with a 3-1 semifinal win over US World No. 23 Sabrina Sobhy (11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5). Earlier in the tournament, she produced a remarkable comeback from two games down to defeat second seed Sana Ibrahim (8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7), underlining her resilience.

Anahat has enjoyed an impressive season, reaching the semifinals of the Silver-level Canadian Women’s Open, finishing runner-up at the British Junior Open Under-19, helping India secure their first-ever Squash World Cup title, and winning the Daly College Cup PSA event in Indore.

At the British Junior Open, she narrowly lost a four-game final to France’s Lauren Baltayan, marking her ninth appearance in a BJO final across age groups and further highlighting her rapid rise on the PSA Tour.

— IANS