Anahat Singh Eliminated from Qatar Classic After Five-Game Thriller

Anahat Singh was eliminated from the Qatar Classic in Doha after a gripping five-game match against Belgian World No. 9 Tinne Gilis on Sunday. The tournament, a prestigious USD 242,000 PSA Platinum event, saw Singh, currently ranked No. 20 globally, face the formidable eighth-seeded Gilis in a highly anticipated second-round encounter. The intense, back-and-forth battle ultimately resulted in Singh's exit from the competition, marking the end of her run in the Qatari capital.

The Qatar Classic, renowned for attracting top squash talent from around the globe, presented a significant challenge for the young Indian player. Anahat Singh, who is 17 years old, had demonstrated remarkable skill and determination to reach this stage, setting the scene for her clash with the experienced Belgian. Her performance throughout the tournament, particularly in her opening round, had drew attention, making her second-round match against Gilis a focal point for many observers.

Match Details and Scoreline

The match began with Tinne Gilis asserting early dominance, showcasing her experience and powerful strokes to secure the opening game with a score of 11-4. Gilis quickly established a lead, putting pressure on her young opponent from the outset. However, Anahat Singh, known for her resilience and fighting spirit, responded by taking control in the subsequent two games. Demonstrating impressive composure and strategic play, Singh managed to win the second game 11-8 and then followed up with another strong performance to claim the third game 11-9. This remarkable turnaround shifted the momentum decisively in her favor, giving her a 2-1 lead in games and putting her just one game away from advancing to the next round of the PSA Platinum event.

The momentum, however, proved fleeting. Gilis, an accomplished player on the professional circuit, quickly regrouped and delivered a strong performance in the key fourth game. She reasserted her authority on the court, winning it decisively with a score of 11-4. This victory leveled the match at two games apiece, pushing the contest into a fifth and final decider, where both players would have to dig deep. In the high-stakes final game, Gilis maintained her renewed momentum and secured the victory with a commanding 11-3 score, ultimately eliminating Singh from the tournament. The five-game thriller showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both players demonstrating competitive spirit and high-level squash throughout the encounter in Doha. Gilis's ability to recover after losing two consecutive games proved key in her progression in the USD 242,000 PSA Platinum event. Her experience at this elite level was evident in her capacity to regain focus and execute her game plan under pressure.

Anahat's Previous Round and Career Milestones

Before her elimination by Tinne Gilis, Anahat Singh, who is 17 years old, had successfully advanced to the second round of the Qatar Classic by defeating World No. 16 Farida Mohamed of Egypt. This opening round match was another testament to Singh's burgeoning talent and her ability to compete with and overcome higher-ranked opponents. The match against Mohamed was also a hard-fought contest, concluding with a score of 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7 in Singh's favor. Her victory against the Egyptian player was a significant achievement, showcasing her tactical prowess and mental fortitude in a major international tournament.

Singh's career has been on a rapid ascent, marked by several notable accomplishments. She secured the prestigious World Junior Championship title in July, adding a significant achievement to her already impressive resume. This title showed her status as one of the most promising young talents in global squash. Her performance against Farida Mohamed in the Qatar Classic further solidified her reputation, marking another notable win against a higher-ranked opponent in a major tournament. The victory against the Egyptian player not only propelled her into the second round but also set the stage for her subsequent, highly anticipated match against the Belgian World No. 9 Tinne Gilis. Her participation in such a high-profile event as the Qatar Classic, a PSA Platinum tournament, provides invaluable experience for the young athlete as she continues to climb the professional rankings.

Other Indian Players' Performance in Doha

Anahat Singh was one of four Indian singles players competing in the Qatar Classic, representing a strong contingent from the nation. The Indian squad also included male players Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani, as well as female player Tanvi Khanna. Despite their efforts, none of these other Indian players progressed beyond their initial matches in the tournament, facing tough opposition in their respective draws.

Abhay Singh, ranked World No. 24, faced a challenging defeat at the hands of Swiss World No. 22 Dimitri Steinmann. Steinmann secured the victory over Singh in straight games, with scores of 7-11, 9-11, and 12-14. The match saw Steinmann maintain a consistent and disciplined performance to overcome the Indian player, preventing Abhay Singh from gaining a foothold in the contest. This early exit for Abhay Singh meant that the Indian men's singles challenge concluded in the first round.

Veer Chotrani, who holds a World No. 38 ranking, also exited the competition after a demanding match against second-ranked New Zealander Paul Coll. Coll, one of the top players in the world, dominated the encounter from start to finish, defeating Chotrani with full scores of 11-2, 11-3, and 11-1. The New Zealander's strong performance ensured a swift progression to the next round of the tournament, noting the significant challenge of competing against the sport's elite. Tanvi Khanna also participated in the event, completing the four-member Indian singles squad. While her specific match details were not provided, her participation showed the breadth of Indian representation at this significant international squash event in Doha. The collective performance of the Indian contingent, particularly Anahat Singh's run to the second round, provided valuable experience and exposure on the PSA Platinum circuit.

Looking Ahead to Future Competitions

Following their participation in the Qatar Classic, the Indian players will next focus their preparations on the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan. This significant regional event provides another major opportunity for the athletes, including Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani, and Tanvi Khanna, to compete on an international stage and represent their country. Their training and strategic planning will now shift towards this important continental competition, where they will aim to deliver strong performances and vie for medals. The experience gained from competing in a high-caliber PSA Platinum event like the Qatar Classic is expected to be invaluable as they fine-tune their skills and prepare for the challenges that await them in Japan. The Asian Games represent a key target for these athletes in the current sporting calendar.

The Qatar Classic, a USD 242,000 PSA Platinum event, concluded with various players advancing through the draw, but for the Indian contingent, attention now firmly turns to the next major international challenge. The tournament, which took place in Doha, provided a key platform for players to test their mettle against the world's best, and for Anahat Singh, her performance against a top-10 player like Tinne Gilis demonstrated her continued growth and potential in the sport. The publication date for this report is September 13, 2026.