Anahat Singh beats eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini to reach Silicon Valley Open semifinals

India's young squash player Anahat Singh has reached the semifinals of the prestigious Silicon Valley Open squash tournament under way in the United States, with a commanding performance. It is the biggest win of her career so far.

The 18-year-old Anahat defeated Egypt's Nour El Sherbini, who has won the world championship eight times. Anahat produced an outstanding display in the second round of the PSA Gold event, which carries total prize money of $143,500.

Against Sherbini, the world number three, Anahat kept control through the whole match. She won it comfortably, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, in straight games, and finished it in just 30 minutes to reach the semifinals.

Beating a player who has won the world title eight times is being regarded as the biggest achievement of Anahat's career. Praise is pouring in for her from across the country.

After the win, she said, "I grew up watching Sherbini's matches. Whatever she has achieved in her career, I want to achieve the same in my life. She is a great role model for all squash players in the world." She also said, "I have grown up watching her every match."

Earlier this year, Anahat won the girls' singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships. She became the first Indian to do so, breaking Egypt's 15-year dominance.

Anahat also performed notably at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where she won two bronze medals.