India Begins Squash World Cup with Decisive Win Over Switzerland
Chennai witnessed a dominant display of squash as hosts India swept aside debutants Switzerland with a commanding 4-0 victory in their opening Pool B encounter at the Squash World Cup 2025. The highly anticipated tournament, being held at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai, saw India, bronze medalists in the previous 2023 edition, lay down an early marker with a clinical performance on Tuesday, December 9.
The all-glass court, set within the bustling mall atrium, provided a unique and vibrant atmosphere as curious shoppers paused to witness the high-stakes action. India's squad, a strategic mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, delivered convincing wins across all four rubbers, leaving no doubt about their formidable intentions for the remainder of the competition.
Senthilkumar Sets the Tone in Gritty Opener
The tie commenced with national champion Velavan Senthilkumar, ranked 45th in the men's squash standings, taking on Switzerland's Robin Gadola, world No. 296. Senthilkumar delivered a hard-fought 3-0 win, with game scores of 7-6, 7-6, 7-5. Gadola, a member of the Swiss team that has secured bronze in the previous two World Squash Team Championships, started strong, even leading 6-5 in the opening game. However, Senthilkumar demonstrated remarkable composure, snatching two crucial consecutive points to secure the first game. The pattern of clutch finishes and narrow margins continued through the subsequent games, with Senthilkumar maintaining his focus to ensure India gained an early and vital lead. His composed victory showcased his ability to perform under pressure, setting a positive precedent for the matches to follow.
Anahat Singh Doubles India's Advantage with Clinical Display
Following Senthilkumar's triumph, 17-year-old Anahat Singh, the youngest squash player in the tournament and making her World Cup debut, stepped onto the court with unwavering confidence. India's top-ranked woman, world No. 28, delivered a composed and dominant performance against Celine Walser, securing a swift 3-0 victory with scores of 7-1, 7-4, 7-2. Anahat's soft hands and sharp drop shots kept Walser under constant pressure, allowing her to control the tempo of the match from the outset. While Walser briefly rallied to a 4-4 tie in the second game, Anahat quickly reasserted her focus and precision, closing out the match efficiently in just 13 minutes. Her impressive display underscored her rapid adaptation to elite team competition and her potential as a future star.
Abhay Singh Seals the Tie with Commanding Performance
With India holding a comfortable 2-0 lead, Abhay Singh, India's top-ranked men's squash player at world No. 29, stepped up to face Louai Hafez. Singh showcased a clinical and aggressive performance, securing the tie for India with a commanding 3-0 victory (7-0, 7-5, 7-3). He dominated the opening game, racing to a 7-0 win and allowing Hafez little opportunity to settle. Despite a late surge attempt from the Swiss player in the subsequent games, Abhay Singh maintained his control and aggressive shot-making, sealing the unassailable 3-0 overall lead for India.
Chinappa Adds Flair to Complete the Sweep
The final rubber saw veteran campaigner and crowd favourite Joshna Chinappa, a 39-year-old former world No. 10, take on 21-year-old Stella Kaufmann. Chinappa, known for her trademark flair, ensured the clean sweep for India with a 3-1 victory, posting scores of 7-1, 5-7, 7-2, 7-0. After comfortably winning the first game, Chinappa momentarily lost control, dropping the second game 5-7. However, the experienced player quickly regained her composure and control, dominating the subsequent games to secure India's fourth and final point amidst loud cheers from the home crowd.
Indian team coach Harinder Pal Sandhu expressed satisfaction with the team's opening performance. "It feels good to get that first win," Sandhu remarked. "The first match is always a bit nervy, playing in front of a home crowd with a lot of people supporting, so it's good to get all of that out in the first match." He further added, "Going forward, we're going to be really hungry, and there's going to be a lot of desire. We're hoping to do well!"
This emphatic 4-0 triumph over debutants Switzerland marks a strong start for India in the Squash World Cup 2025. India will now look to carry this momentum into their next Pool B fixture, where they are scheduled to face Brazil on Thursday, December 11. The performance underscored India's depth and balance, combining the youthful energy of Anahat Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar with the experience of Abhay Singh and Joshna Chinappa.
