Anahat Singh first Indian to reach world junior final since 2005

Ontario: Anahat Singh has become the first Indian to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final since veteran Joshna Chinappa achieved the feat in 2005.

On Friday, the top seeded Delhi girl beat Egyptian 3/4 seed Barb Sameh 11-3 8-11 11-4 11-6 in the semifinals.

World No 20 Anahat, a bronze medal-winning semifinalist last year, is firm favourite, and is just one step away from becoming India's first World Junior squash champion.


"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," Anahat said.

"I didn't play my best yesterday and I knew I had to come out today and show what I'm capable of producing on the 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 is not done yet."

Anahat will meet Egyptian second seed Ruqayya Salem in the final.