Anahat Singh and Akanksha Salunkhe Reach Semi-Finals at 79th Western India Slam
The 79th Western India Slam, a highly anticipated Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger tournament with a prize pool of USD 9,000, is showcasing thrilling action at the CCI courts. Two standout Indian players, Anahat Singh and Akanksha Salunkhe, have made it to the semi-finals in their respective categories, continuing their impressive campaigns.
Anahat Singh, the 16-year-old prodigy and two-time champion of the event, demonstrated her consistency and skill as she defeated fellow Indian Anjali Semwal, the eighth seed, in straight games. Anahat’s precise shots and tactical play earned her a comfortable victory with scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-7, maintaining her dominance in the competition.
Akanksha Salunkhe, the top seed in the women’s draw, also advanced to the semi-finals with a commanding performance. She faced Hong Kong’s Sze Wing Wai and won effortlessly, claiming the match with a scoreline of 11-5, 11-4, and 11-3. Akanksha’s skill and composure throughout the match showcased why she is one of the favorites for the title.
In the men’s competition, the top two seeds, Viktor Byrtus of the Czech Republic and Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, also secured their spots in the semi-finals. Viktor Byrtus, the number one seed, outplayed Hong Kong’s Wailok To with an easy 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 victory, while Ameeshenraj Chandaran, the second seed, defeated Egypt’s fifth seed Yassin Shohdy in straight games, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5.
The quarter-finals also saw exciting action from India’s Veer Chotrani, who pulled off a hard-fought win against Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Laksiri with a score of 11-7, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4. Meanwhile, Rowan Damming from the Netherlands advanced to the semi-finals after defeating India’s Rahul Baitha, 11-8, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6.
In the women’s competition, Egypt’s Nour Khafagy and Jana Swaify secured their semi-final berths, with Nour defeating Hong Kong’s Wong Po Yui Kirstie and Jana coming from behind to defeat Bobo Lam of Hong Kong in a thrilling match.
As the tournament progresses towards the semi-finals, all eyes are on Anahat Singh and Akanksha Salunkhe, who are leading the charge for India in the women’s competition, while Viktor Byrtus and Ameeshenraj Chandaran remain strong contenders in the men’s draw.
