India's rising squash star Anahat Singh, 17, delivered a stunning upset by defeating top seed and world No. 10 Georgina Kennedy of England 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 in the final of the Squash on Fire Open 2026 in Washington. This victory marks her first PSA World event title and biggest career achievement, propelling her to world No. 19.
India's Anahat Singh showcased composure and dominance in a 26-minute final against the reigning Commonwealth Games champion. She saved two game balls at 10-8 in the first game before surging ahead with four straight points. The second and third games saw her pull away decisively, limiting Kennedy to just five and seven points respectively.
The win avenges Anahat's straight-sets loss to Kennedy at last year's Canadian Women's Open semifinals, highlighting her rapid improvement.
Key Highlights
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Anahat's path to the title included a bye in the first round, then victories over Hayley Ward (round of 16), second seed Sana Ibrahim 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (quarters), and Sabrina Sobhy 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5 (semis).
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This is her 15th PSA Tour title in just 26 events, achieved as world No. 31 pre-tournament.
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Post-victory, Anahat jumps 12 spots to world No. 19, boosting her Olympic qualification prospects with eight ranking spots per gender for 2028 Los Angeles.
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"I'm extremely happy. I maximized training between events to elevate my game and ranking," Anahat said.
Career Impact
The Squash on Fire Open is a PSA Bronze-level event, a significant step up for the Delhi teenager who shifted focus from Challenger dominance to major tournaments this year. Her mindset evolution—from qualifying to winning—signals bigger ambitions ahead.
Previously part of India's historic Squash World Cup team and Women's Challenger Player of the Season, Anahat eyes consistent top performances.
Sources: The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Olympics.com, PSA Squash Tour