Mumbai, March 18: The Indian Open 2026 Squash Championship kicked off with a mix of results for the home players on its opening day. India‘s Om Semwal delivered a stellar performance, winning an exhilarating five-game match in the men’s category, while Tanvi Khanna secured a commanding victory in straight games in the women’s category. The tournament commenced at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) courts at Brabourne Stadium on Wednesday.
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 thrilling. Meanwhile, Tanvi Khanna showcased her skills by defeating Maya Vishar 3-0 (15-13, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4).
Semwal’s match against Mexico’s Sebastian Salazar was the highlight of the day, as he maintained his composure during critical moments to clinch a hard-fought victory. Egyptian player Yassin Shohdy also impressed, bouncing back after losing the first set 10-12 to win against France’s Manuel Paquemar with a score of 3-1.
In other competitive matches, Switzerland’s Ambre Elincks defeated the Netherlands’ Tessa Ter Sluis 3-1, while Egypt’s Ibrahim Elkabbani secured a solid 3-1 win against India’s Suraj Kumar Chand in a tough contest.
The day also saw top contenders delivering remarkable performances. Hong Kong’s Chi Him Wong defeated Ayan Waziralli 3-0, and Sofia Mateos won in straight games against Shamina Riaz. Matthew Lai and Daniel Ray both started their campaigns in style with comfortable 3-0 victories in their respective matches.
Results from the opening day included:
– Sahvit Kumar defeated Unnati Tripathi 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-4).
– Farida Walid won against Nirupama Dubey 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-4).
– Yasin Shohdy beat Manuel Paquemar 3-0 (10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-7).
– Tanvi Khanna overcame Maya Vishar 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 won against Sebastian Salazar 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17).
– Ibrahim Elkabbani triumphed over Suraj Kumar Chand 3-1 (12-14, 11-4, 11-1, 11-6).
– Alice Romba defeated Risa Sugimoto 3-0 (11-7, 11-2, 11-8).
The excitement continues as the tournament progresses, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of squash players from around the world.