Velavan Senthilkumar Stuns Top Seed Greg Lobban to Win Czech Open 2026 Title

India's Velavan Senthilkumar produced an outstanding performance to defeat top seed Greg Lobban of Scotland and win the Czech Open 2026, a PSA Copper-level tournament in Brno. 

The Indian, ranked World No. 42, overcame the World No. 31 in a four-game final, winning 13-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-7 to claim his second PSA Copper Tour title. The victory marked Velavan's 12th career PSA title and his fifth title of the year across the PSA Tour, with four coming at Copper level and one at Bronze level. More importantly, it represented an impressive response following a disappointing campaign at the Asian Games, as the Indian returned to winning form with a series of commanding performances in the Czech Republic.

The final against Lobban was a test of resilience and composure. Velavan had to recover from a difficult position in the opening game before taking control of the contest and eventually closing out the match in four games.

The opening game proved crucial in determining the direction of the final. Lobban established a 10-6 advantage and appeared well placed to take the early lead. However, Velavan produced an extraordinary comeback, winning seven of the next eight points to take the game 13-11.

Recovering from a four-game-point deficit required both attacking precision and mental discipline. Instead of allowing Lobban to dictate the contest, Velavan stayed in the rallies, increased the pressure and capitalised on the opportunity to turn the game around.

The momentum carried into the second game. Velavan maintained his intensity and controlled the exchanges to take it 11-5, moving within one game of the title. Lobban, the tournament's top seed, responded in the third game. The Scottish player found a way back into the match, winning 11-8 to reduce the deficit and extend the contest.

However, Velavan did not allow the setback to disrupt his rhythm. The Indian regained control in the fourth game, managing the important points and closing out an 11-7 victory to secure the championship. Defeating a higher-ranked opponent in a final was a significant achievement, particularly given Lobban's status as the top seed and World No. 31.

Velavan's title-winning campaign was built on consistent performances throughout the tournament. Seeded fourth and ranked World No. 42, he navigated a challenging draw that included several established players.

His quarter-final victory over Brazil's Diego Gobbi came in straight games. The Indian produced a comfortable 3-0 win to advance to the last four, setting up a semi-final opportunity against either eighth seed Jeremias Azaña of Argentina or England's Tom Walsh.

In the semi-final, Velavan faced second seed Auguste Dussourd of France, ranked World No. 32. The Indian delivered one of his most impressive performances of the tournament, defeating the higher-ranked opponent in straight games to book his place in the final. That victory was particularly important because Dussourd was among the leading contenders for the title. Velavan's ability to overcome a seeded opponent without dropping a game demonstrated the consistency of his performance in the latter stages.

The final against Lobban provided an even bigger challenge, with the Scottish player entering as the top seed. Velavan, however, completed the job with a composed performance after his dramatic opening-game recovery.

Earlier in the tournament, he had also registered a straight-games victory over Argentina's eighth seed Jeremias Azaña, winning 3-0 to progress to the semi-finals.

Fifth title of the year for Velavan

The Czech Open triumph takes Velavan's tally for 2026 to five titles, comprising four PSA Copper Tour titles and one Bronze-level title. It also brings his career PSA title count to 12, further strengthening his position among India's leading squash players.

His latest success is especially encouraging after the disappointment of the Asian Games. A title against a player ranked 11 places higher provides a timely confidence boost and demonstrates his ability to compete successfully against established international opposition.

The victory also reinforces the value of consistency across the PSA Tour. Velavan's campaign in Brno was not built on a single upset but on a sequence of convincing performances, culminating in victories over the second and top seeds.

India's success at the Czech Open was complemented by England's Alicia Mead, who claimed the women's title. Mead and Velavan emerged as the champions in their respective draws at the PSA Squash Tour event in Brno.

For Indian squash, however, the spotlight belonged firmly to Velavan. His recovery from 6-10 down in the opening game of the final, followed by his ability to regain control after losing the third, underlined the resilience required to win at this level.

The Czech Open title is another significant addition to his 2026 season. With five titles already secured this year and 12 across his PSA career, Velavan has delivered a strong statement in Brno.

Beating the tournament's top seed on the way to the championship makes the achievement even more valuable. For Velavan Senthilkumar, the Czech Open 2026 was not just another title; it was a reminder of his ability to rise against higher-ranked opposition and deliver when the stakes are highest.