Velavan Senthilkumar Stuns Asian Games Champion Ng Eain Yow as India Assured of Budapest Open Finalist

Indian squash enjoyed a memorable day at the Budapest Open 2026, as Velavan Senthilkumar produced one of the biggest wins of his career to reach the semifinals, while Veer Chotrani also booked his place in the last four. With the two Indians set to face each other in the semifinal, India is now guaranteed a finalist at the PSA Squash Tour Copper event.

Velavan, ranked World No. 54, delivered a stunning straight-games victory over top seed and reigning Asian Games champion Ng Eain Yow of Malaysia, ranked World No. 18. The Indian dominated the quarterfinal from start to finish, winning 11-2, 11-9, and 11-8 to knock out one of the strongest players in the draw.

It was a statement performance from Velavan, particularly considering the quality of his opponent. Ng Eain Yow came into the tournament as the top seed and had established himself as one of Asia's leading players. The Malaysian's status as the reigning Asian Games champion made him the clear favourite heading into the contest, but Velavan showed no signs of being intimidated by the occasion.

The opening game set the tone for what followed. Velavan was dominant from the outset, racing through the first game 11-2. The scoreline reflected the control he had over the rallies as he put pressure on the Malaysian and prevented the top seed from settling into his rhythm.

Ng Eain Yow responded more strongly in the second game, making the contest significantly tighter. However, Velavan continued to hold his nerve at the crucial moments and closed out the game 11-9 to move within one game of one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The third game was once again competitive, but Velavan maintained his composure and finished the job with an 11-8 victory. Winning in straight games against a player ranked 36 places above him underlined the quality of the Indian's performance.

The victory becomes even more significant when viewed alongside Velavan's journey through the tournament. He had already defeated England's Will Salter 3-0 in the opening round before producing another major upset against fifth seed Raphael Kandra of Germany. Velavan beat the higher-ranked German 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, and 11-2 to enter the quarterfinals.

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His win over Ng Eain Yow means he has now beaten two seeded players in successive rounds, transforming what began as a difficult section of the draw into one of the strongest runs of his career on the PSA Tour.

While Velavan produced the headline-making upset, Veer Chotrani ensured that India would have two representatives in the semifinals.

World No. 38 Veer defeated former World No. 15 Mohamed ElSherbini 3-1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal. The match featured several momentum shifts, with Veer eventually prevailing 14-12, 12-14, 11-6, and 11-8. The opening game was an intense battle, with Veer edging the tie-break 14-12. ElSherbini responded in equally dramatic fashion in the second, winning 14-12 to level the match.

Veer regained control in the third game, winning 11-6, before closing out the fourth 11-8 to seal his place in the semifinals. The contest was not entirely straightforward for the Indian, with Veer at times struggling with unforced errors and loose returns from the backhand side. However, his ability to recover and take control of the decisive stages of the match proved crucial.

ElSherbini, who was born in Egypt and previously represented the country, has recently switched his sporting allegiance to Slovenia as he looks to improve his pathway towards qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Despite his former World No. 15 ranking and considerable experience, he could not find a way past the Indian.

The result sets up an all-Indian semifinal between Velavan and Veer, guaranteeing India a finalist at the Budapest Open.

For Velavan, the semifinal represents an opportunity to continue the momentum generated by his extraordinary upset over Ng Eain Yow. For Veer, it is a chance to build on a solid victory over a former top-15 player and move one step closer to the title.

The all-Indian semifinal is also a positive reflection of the growing depth in Indian men's squash. With two players ranked outside the world's top 30 defeating higher-profile opponents to reach the last four, the Budapest Open has provided an important platform for both Velavan and Veer to demonstrate their ability to compete against experienced international opposition.

Velavan's win over the reigning Asian Games champion will naturally stand out as the result of the tournament from an Indian perspective. A World No. 54 defeating the World No. 18 and top seed in straight games is a result that can provide enormous confidence.

But with the semifinal now set, the focus will shift from individual upsets to an intriguing clash between two compatriots. One Indian will leave Budapest with a place in the final secured, and after the performances of Velavan and Veer so far, both will believe they have the game to go all the way.