HAMBURG
Indian squash star Veer Chotrani pushed world number nineteen Baptiste Masotti to the absolute limit before narrowly losing a thrilling quarterfinal at the Hamburg Open. In a grueling 69-minute marathon, Chotrani twice came from behind to force a deciding fifth game. However, the French fourth seed eventually clinicalized the final set to secure a 12-10, 9-11, 14-12, 9-11, 11-6 victory.
Chotrani had entered the match with high confidence after pulling off a massive upset against home favorite Raphael Kandra in the previous round. While the world number forty-seven showed incredible heart against Masotti, the Frenchman’s experience at the Bronze-level event proved decisive in the closing moments. Despite the loss, Chotrani’s spirited performance remains a major highlight for Indian squash on the international stage this season.
It was a tough time overall for the Indian contingent in Germany. Compatriots Abhay Singh and Ramit Tandon both bowed out in the second round following hard-fought matches against England’s Sam Todd and Hungary’s Balazs Farkas, respectively. Todd, who trains with Singh, admitted it was a difficult challenge given the Indian player’s recent title win at the Indian Open.
In the women’s draw, veteran star Joshna Chinappa also faced a challenging exit. The former world number ten fought hard but eventually succumbed to eighth seed Joelle King in four games. Meanwhile, Spain’s Marta Dominguez made headlines by breaking a long losing streak to reach her first-ever Bronze quarterfinal. The tournament now moves into the semifinals without Indian representation.