Anahat Singh Defeats World No. 16 Farida Mohamed to Reach Qatar Classic Round of 16

India’s Anahat Singh produced one of the biggest results of her young career at the QTerminals Qatar Classic, defeating World No. 16 Farida Mohamed of Egypt 3-1 to storm into the Round of 16 at the PSA Squash Tour Platinum event.

The Junior World Champion showed remarkable composure against the higher-ranked Egyptian, recovering from a one-sided second game to close out the contest 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7.

The victory not only puts Anahat into the second round of the prestigious tournament but also underlines the rapid progress of the Indian teenager on the senior professional circuit.

The opening game immediately established the intensity of the contest. Neither player was able to establish a comfortable advantage, with Anahat eventually edging a tense battle 13-11. Winning such a close opening game against a player of Mohamed’s experience was an important early boost for the Indian. However, the Egyptian responded emphatically in the second game.

Mohamed raced through the second 11-3, levelling the match at 1-1 and appearing to have regained control. For Anahat, the challenge was now less about the result of one game and more about maintaining her discipline against an opponent capable of changing the momentum quickly.

She responded exactly as required.

Anahat came back strongly in the third game, refusing to allow the momentum to remain with Mohamed. She constructed points patiently and made sure she did not get dragged into unnecessary exchanges. The Indian eventually took the game 11-7, moving one game away from a major upset. The fourth game followed a similar pattern. Mohamed attempted to force the pace, but Anahat remained composed and continued to find ways to put pressure on the Egyptian.

Another 11-7 game sealed the match. After nearly going the distance in the opening game, Anahat had won the final two games by identical 11-7 margins to complete a 3-1 victory. The result was particularly significant because it came against a player ranked inside the world's top 20.

A Physically And Mentally Demanding Contest

The match was not without its moments of frustration. The contest featured several interruptions to Anahat’s movement and line of play, with the Indian having to deal with what appeared to be repeated instances of blocking.

The umpire intervened during the match, penalising Mohamed when necessary. For Anahat, maintaining focus amid such circumstances was another important aspect of the victory. Squash at the highest level is not simply about hitting winners; players must also manage the physical demands, tactical changes and mental pressure that develop during long rallies. Anahat managed those elements effectively.

Rather than allowing the disruptions to affect her concentration, she stayed focused on the points and eventually took control of the contest.

Anahat has already established herself as one of the brightest young squash players in India, and her Junior World Championship success provided evidence of her potential. Performances such as this one against established senior opposition demonstrate that she is increasingly capable of translating that potential to the professional stage. The victory over Mohamed is especially noteworthy because of the quality of the opponent and the manner in which Anahat responded after losing the second game 11-3.

Instead of allowing the match to slip away, she reset and won six of the next eight games' points sequences needed to close out the contest, ultimately taking the third and fourth games 11-7.

That ability to recover during a match can become one of the most valuable qualities for a player moving through the professional ranks.

Anahat’s reward for the upset is another formidable opponent in the Round of 16. The supplied tournament information lists Belgium’s Tinne Gilis as her next opponent, meaning the Indian will once again face a highly experienced player on the PSA Tour. Earlier information had indicated a possible meeting with top seed Hania El Hammamy, but the latest update identifies Gilis as Anahat’s Round of 16 opponent.

Whatever the challenge brings, Anahat will enter the contest with considerable confidence after eliminating a top-20 player in the opening round. The Qatar Classic represents an important opportunity for the young Indian to test herself against some of the strongest players in the world. Reaching the Round of 16 at a Platinum-level tournament is already a significant achievement, but Anahat will now have her sights set higher.

Her win over Farida Mohamed was built on resilience, composure and the ability to respond when the match changed direction. At just the beginning of what promises to be a long professional journey, Anahat Singh has once again shown that she belongs on the biggest stages. And after knocking out the World No. 16, she will head into the Round of 16 knowing that another big statement could be just one match away.