India's teenage squash star Anahat Singh moved to within one victory of history after becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championships. The 18-year-old delivered another impressive performance at Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada, defeating Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semifinal to secure her place in the title match.
Top seed Anahat has lived up to expectations throughout the tournament with a series of commanding performances. Her latest win ended India's 21-year wait for a finalist at the prestigious event and put her one step away from becoming the country's first-ever World Junior champion. She will face Egypt's second seed, Ruqayya Salem, in the final.
One win away from history
Standing between Anahat and the biggest title of her career is another Egyptian opponent in Ruqayya Salem. Egypt has dominated world squash for years, making the final a formidable challenge for the Indian teenager.
A victory would make Anahat the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, surpassing Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005.
Against Sameh, Anahat made a flying start by comfortably claiming the opening game before the Egyptian fought back to level the match. Undeterred, the Indian regained control with her sharp movement, accurate shot-making and aggressive approach, comfortably winning the final two games to seal her place in the championship match.
Anahat delighted with breakthrough
Speaking after the victory, Anahat expressed her happiness at reaching her first World Junior final after falling short in the quarterfinals and semifinals in previous editions.
"I'm really happy. I played Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open, and it was a close match like this, so I knew I'd have to play really well," she said.
"I didn't play my best yesterday, and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do on court. I've played in four World Juniors and lost in the quarters and semis, so reaching the final has made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament's not over yet," she added.
Anahat has emerged as one of India's brightest squash prospects in recent years. Currently ranked World No. 20 on the PSA Tour, she has already won multiple PSA titles and claimed medals at major continental competitions despite still being a teenager.
After securing a bronze medal at last year's World Junior Championships, Anahat has returned with the determination to go one step further and claim the title.
