Singh-Sational! Anahat Singh Crushes 8-Time World Champ to Reach QFs
Indian squash star Anahat Singh secures a stunning 3-0 victory over 8-time world champion Nour El Sherbini to reach the Silicon Valley Open quarterfinals.
In a result that has sent shockwaves through the squash world, Indian teenage prodigy Anahat Singh beats Nour El Sherbini in a dominant display to secure the biggest victory of her professional career. The Asian Games medalist stunned the eight-time world champion from Egypt to storm into the quarterfinals of the Silicon Valley Open on Thursday.
A Masterclass in 30 Minutes
The match was not just a win, but a complete demolition. Anahat dismantled the top-seeded El Sherbini in a straight-games victory, winning 3-0 with scores of 11-8, 11-8, and 11-7. What made the victory even more remarkable was the efficiency; the 18-year-old Indian star wrapped up the contest in just 30 minutes, leaving the world champion with little room to breathe.
The PSA Squash Tour took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the feat, describing the performance as "Singh-sational" and highlighting the magnitude of the upset as Anahat marched toward the quarter-finals.
From Idol to Opponent
For Anahat, the victory was more than just a tactical win—it was a dream realized. Speaking after the match, the young athlete revealed that she had spent years studying the Egyptian legend from the sidelines.
"I have grown up watching every single match of hers. I admire her, and she is an inspiration to all squash players. You want to achieve the things she has in her career," Anahat shared.
Despite the nerves of facing her idol for the first time on court, Anahat admitted she was surprised by how quickly she found her rhythm. While she expected a period of adjustment to understand El Sherbini's game, her preparation paid off immediately, and her game plan executed perfectly from the first serve.
Continuing a Golden Streak
This triumph comes on the heels of a historic run for Anahat at the Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya. She etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a singles squash silver medal at the continental event. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in helping the Indian women's team secure a bronze medal.
Anahat was part of a powerhouse eight-member Indian squash contingent that returned from the Asian Games with a total of five medals, including two silver and three bronze, signaling a new era of dominance for India on the global squash stage.