Indian Challenge Ends in Pre-Quarterfinal Stage at USD 74,000 New York Squash Event

Velavan Senthilkumar, Ramit Tandon, and Veer Chotrani suffered defeats in the pre-quarterfinals, marking an early exit from the prestigious Open Squash Classic in New York. The USD 74,000 Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Bronze 40 event, held from October 1 to 6, 2025, at the Union League Club, showcased intense competition among 32 players. The trio's ousters on Monday highlight the challenges faced by Indian players in scaling global rankings, despite recent strides in the sport's infrastructure back home.

Reigning national champion and world No. 45 Senthilkumar, who entered as the top seed for India after a strong showing in qualifying rounds, faced a tough challenge against Mexico's fourth-seeded Leonel Cardenas. The 25-year-old Indian struggled with consistency, dropping all three games 7-11, 6-11, and 4-11 in a 35-minute match. Cardenas, ranked 28th globally and a former Pan American Games medallist, capitalised on his aggressive forehand to dominate rallies. Senthilkumar's performance adds to his mixed 2025 season, where he reached semifinals in events like the Houston Open but has yet to secure a PSA title.

Eighth seed Ramit Tandon, India's highest-ranked player at world No. 59, pushed English qualifier Adrian Waller to the brink in a gruelling five-game thriller. Tandon, a 32-year-old veteran with over a decade on the Tour, took the opener 11-6 but faltered in the decider, losing 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, and 7-11 after more than an hour on court. Waller, a 24-year-old rising star known for his endurance, mounted comebacks in the third and fifth games, advancing to the quarters. Tandon's resilience echoes his career highlights, including a 2019 Malaysian Open final appearance, but recent form has been hampered by minor injuries.

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Meanwhile, qualifier Veer Chotrani, the 27-year-old from Mumbai ranked around 150th, met a formidable opponent in France's second-seeded Victor Crouin. The match was one-sided, with Chotrani succumbing 1-11, 8-11, and 5-11 in under 30 minutes. Crouin, the world No. 12 and a silver medallist at the 2023 European Games, overwhelmed with precise shot-making. Chotrani, who earned his spot through qualifiers, represented a breakthrough for Indian depth, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Saurav Goshal.

The early exits underscore the need for sustained international exposure for Indian squash, which has gained momentum since the Squash Federation of India's partnership with the PSA. With no Indians left in the draw, attention shifts to upcoming events like the Qatar Classic. Organisers reported packed crowds and live streaming on Squash TV, boosting the sport's visibility in the U.S. As India eyes Olympic inclusion for 2028, these matches serve as vital learning curves for the next generation.

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