CHENNAI
India scripted history a commanding 3-0 victory over two-time champions Egypt to reach the Squash World Cup final for the first time. Backed by strong individual performances, the hosts delivered one of their finest displays of the tournament to stun a traditional powerhouse and keep their title hopes alive.
Seeded second, India will now face Hong Kong China in the summit clash at the Express Avenue Mall. Hong Kong China secured their place in the final after defeating Japan in the other semifinal of the 12-team competition.
National champion Velavan Senthilkumar set the tone for India with a clinical start. Ranked 45th in the world, Velavan brushed aside world No. 96 Ibrahim Elkabbani 7-1, 7-3, 7-6 to hand the hosts an early advantage. The momentum was maintained by India’s top-ranked women’s player Anahat Singh, who produced a gritty performance to overcome Nour Heikal in a five-game battle, winning 6-7, 7-5, 7-3, 3-7, 7-3 and stretching India’s lead to 2-0.
The decisive point came through Abhay Singh, who showed remarkable composure to defeat Adam Hawal 7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6. Abhay, who had partnered Anahat to win bronze at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, ensured there was no way back for Egypt, champions in 2012 and 2023.
With India already securing an unassailable 3-0 lead, Joshna Chinappa’s scheduled match against Nardine Garas became inconsequential.
This marks India’s best-ever showing at the Squash World Cup. Their previous high point came in 2023, when they reached the semifinals before losing to Malaysia and settling for bronze.
India’s run to the final has been impressive throughout. They defeated Switzerland and Brazil in the group stage, before registering a dominant 3-0 win over South Africa in the quarter-finals. Now, with confidence soaring and history already made, the hosts will look to finish the campaign on a high when they take on Hong Kong China in the final.
