Kamal Ghorui
MUMBAI: Abhay Singh bent over, hands on his knees, chest heaving after the final point. Usually, the Indian No. 1 leaves the court with a roar, feeding off the adrenaline that defines his game. But on Saturday at the Cricket Club of India, there was little left in the tank. After four demanding games against Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, Abhay looked utterly spent — a telling image of the physical and mental effort needed to reach his second straight JSW Indian Open final.On the glass courts, Abhay beat the tournament’s surprise package 3-1 (11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8) in the semifinal of the PSA Copper-level event.
In the final, he will face compatriot Veer Chotrani, who beat Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 5-11, 11-6) in the other semifinal.For the 27-yearold World No. 26, this marks an important phase in his career. With 11 PSA Challenger titles already to his name, Abhay is now looking beyond that level.Anahat vs HanaIn the women’s event, teen Anahat Singh will look to defend her title against Egypt’s Hana Moataz. Anahat beat compatriot Tanvi Khanna 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2).
