Anahat Singh made a major statement on the professional squash circuit by knocking out eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini at the Silicon Valley Open on Wednesday. The 18-year-old Indian beat the world No. 3 in straight games, winning 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in just 30 minutes to reach the quarter-finals in Redwood City, California.

The result was a significant breakthrough for Anahat, who faced the top-seeded Egyptian for the first time in her career. El Sherbini arrived at the USD 143,500 PSA Gold event as the favourite, but the Indian held her own against one of the most accomplished players in the sport and wrapped up the contest without dropping a game.

For Anahat, the win carried a personal significance beyond reaching the last eight. El Sherbini has been one of her inspirations, and the teenager spoke about the experience of facing a player whose career she has followed closely.

"I've grown up watching every single match of hers," Anahat said after the match. "We have the same coach, Greg, as well."

"I admire her and want to achieve the things she has done in her career. She is an inspiration to all squash players," she added.

ANAHAT BACKS HERSELF AGAINST EL SHERBINI

Anahat went into the match aware of the challenge, but also convinced that she could trouble the Egyptian if she played to her potential. India's national coach, who was present at the venue, encouraged her to trust her game.

"Going into the match, the national coach of India was here with me and he was telling me that I definitely do have a shot, if I was playing really, really well," she said.

The Indian admitted she had expected to need time to adjust to playing El Sherbini. Instead, her plan came together, allowing her to take control and finish the match in straight games.

"Just getting to share a court with her, it was my first time. I didn't expect it to go like this. I thought I'll take a little while to settle in and understand how to play her," Anahat said.

"But the game plan ended up working pretty well and I just stuck through it. I still can't believe that it ended up on my side of the court," she added with a chuckle.

ANOTHER STEP IN ANAHAT'S RAPID RISE

The win builds on an impressive year for Anahat, who became world junior champion earlier in 2026. She had also beaten Nour Aboulmakarim in the opening round of the Silicon Valley Open before producing the biggest result of her professional career against El Sherbini.

Still only 18, Anahat has established herself among the leading young players in squash and is now making her mark against the sport's established stars. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, her latest performance offers another sign of her growing potential on the senior circuit.

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