New Delhi, March 18: The Indian Open 2026 Squash Championship kicked off with a mix of results for the host players on its opening day. India’s Om Semwal delivered an impressive performance, clinching a thrilling victory in the men’s category after a five-game battle, while Tanvi Khanna secured a straight-game win in the women’s category. The tournament commenced on Wednesday at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) courts at Brabourne Stadium, showcasing some spectacular matches.
The first day featured several closely contested matches. Om Semwal triumphed over Sebastian Salazar with a score of 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17), with the final game proving to be particularly exhilarating. Meanwhile, Tanvi Khanna dominated her match against Maya Vaishar, winning 3-0 (15-13, 12-10, 11-4).
Semwal’s performance against Mexico’s Sebastian Salazar was the highlight of the day, as he maintained his composure during critical moments to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Egyptian player Yassin Shohdy also showcased an impressive comeback after losing the first set 10-12, winning the second game 13-11 against France’s Manuel Pacquema and ultimately winning the match 3-1.
In other competitive matches, Switzerland’s Ambre Elincks defeated the Netherlands’ Tessa ter Sluis 3-1, while Egypt’s Ibrahim Elkabani achieved a solid 3-1 victory against India’s Suraj Kumar Chand in a tough contest.
Throughout the day, top contenders delivered remarkable performances. Hong Kong’s Chi Him Wong defeated Ayan Waziralli 3-0, while Sofia Mateos also secured a straight-game win against Shamima Riaz. Matthew Lai and Daniel Ray both started their campaigns in style, winning their respective matches comfortably 3-0.
Results from the first day included:
– Sahvit Kumar defeated Unnati Tripathi 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-4).
– Farida Walid overcame Nirupama Dubey 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-4).
– Yasin Shohdy beat Manuel Pacquema 3-0 (10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-7).
– Tanvi Khanna won against Maya Vaishar 3-0 (15-13, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4).
– Daniel Ray defeated Rathika Suthanthira Seelan 3-0 (11-8, 11-3, 11-5).
– Om Semwal triumphed over Sebastian Salazar 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17).
– Ibrahim Elkabani defeated Suraj Kumar Chand 3-1 (12-14, 11-4, 11-1, 11-6).
– Alice Romba won against Risa Sugimoto 3-0 (11-7, 11-2, 11-8).
– Yannick Omlor defeated Yash Fadte 3-0 (13-11, 11-9, 12-10).
– Chi Him Wong beat Ayan Waziralli 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-3).
– Ambre Elincks overcame Tessa ter Sluis 3-1 (9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6).
– Brien Flynn defeated Lee Barbue 3-0 (11-4, 11-2, 14-12).
– Ravindu Lakshiri won against Duncan Lee 3-1 (9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 11-5).
– Amishenraj Chandran triumphed over Naoki Hayashi 3-1 (8-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-9).