Anahat Singh storms into maiden PSA Gold semi-final with five-game comeback over Salma Hany

Anahat Singh rallies from behind to reach maiden PSA Gold semi-final

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh continued her giant-killing run at the Silicon Valley Open 2026, producing a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt's Salma Hany in a five-game thriller and book her maiden semi-final berth at a PSA Gold-level event.

The 18-year-old World No. 15 recovered from a 1-2 deficit to win 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5 against the sixth-seeded Egyptian in 42 minutes in Redwood City, California.

Trailing twice, then a dominant finish

Anahat showed tremendous resilience after twice falling behind in the contest, raising her level in the final two games to complete an impressive turnaround. Having conceded the opening and third games, the Indian dominated the closing stages, dropping just seven points across the last two games to seal a landmark win.

Hany made a strong start, capitalising on Anahat's errors to take the opening game 11-4. The Indian responded with an improved performance in the second, winning it 11-8 to restore parity. The Egyptian regained control in the third, cruising to an 11-4 win to move within a game of victory.

With her quarter-final hopes hanging in the balance, Anahat stepped up her intensity to dismantle Hany 11-2 in the fourth game. She carried that momentum into the decider, maintaining her composure and dictating the rallies to close out the contest 11-5. Her emphatic finish underlined her ability to respond under pressure against an experienced opponent.

The win ensures Anahat reaches the last four of a PSA Gold event for the first time in her career, further strengthening her growing reputation on the international squash circuit.

Asian Games final rematch awaits in semi-finals

Anahat's reward for the hard-fought quarter-final victory is a semi-final against Malaysia's World No. 4 Sivasangari Subramaniam, who booked her place with a straight-games win over compatriot Rachel Arnold.

The clash renews a rivalry from the 2026 Asian Games, where Sivasangari defeated Anahat 3-0 in the women's singles final to claim gold, leaving the Indian with silver. Anahat had made history at that event by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the squash singles final.

A strong campaign in Redwood City

Anahat began her run by defeating Egypt's Nour Aboulmakarim 11-8, 11-8, 12-10 in the opening round. She then produced one of the biggest wins of her career against eight-time world champion and World No. 3 Nour ElSherbini, beating the top-tier Egyptian 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in the second round.