Indian Trio Storm Into Singapore Challenger Squash Quarterfinals After Gritty Wins

India enjoyed a successful outing at the PSA Singapore Challenger Squash Tournament on Friday as Om Semwal, Sandhesh Ravikumar and Rathika Seelan booked their places in the quarterfinals with determined performances against strong opponents.

In the men's second round, Sandhesh Ravikumar produced a composed display to upset Japanese seventh seed Shota Yasunsri. After edging a tense opening game 12-10, Ravikumar dominated the second 11-5 before Yasunsri fought back to claim the third. However, the Indian quickly regained control to seal the contest 11-7 in the fourth game and progress to the last eight.

Fourth seed Om Semwal was pushed to the limit by Singapore's Aaron Liang in one of the most thrilling matches of the day. Semwal won the opening game but then slipped behind after losing the next two. Showing remarkable resilience, he held his nerve to edge a dramatic fourth game 12-10 before wrapping up the decider 11-8 to complete an impressive comeback victory.

In the women's draw, third seed Rathika Seelan also had to dig deep against Singapore's Wai Lynn Au Yeong. After dropping the opening game, Rathika responded strongly by taking the next two. The local player forced a deciding fifth game, but the Indian kept her composure in a tense finish to clinch it 12-10 and secure her quarterfinal berth.

The trio's victories underline India's growing strength on the international squash circuit, with all three players now carrying the country's hopes into the quarterfinal stage of the Singapore Challenger.