Veteran Indian squash player Joshna Chinappa lifted her 11th PSA title on Monday, defeating third seed Haya Ali of Egypt 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 to claim the women’s singles crown at the Japan Open in Yokohama. The 39-year-old, ranked 117th globally and unseeded, displayed exceptional skill, endurance, and tactical brilliance throughout the tournament.

The win was particularly sweet for Chinappa, who had faced Ali earlier this year in Bermuda, losing a five-set thriller 11-8, 10-12, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8. “This victory is special after our previous match. It feels great to come back stronger and execute my game plan to perfection,” sources close to Chinappa told Olympics.com.

Chinappa’s journey back to the top has been remarkable. Following a knee operation after the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she was instrumental in helping India clinch a bronze medal, she has steadily regained form, demonstrating her trademark resilience. Earlier this year, she partnered teenage sensation Anahat Singh to lift the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships and reached the semifinals of the Indian Open.

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Her campaign at the Japan Open reflected consistency and dominance. Chinappa began by defeating Malaysia’s Anrie Goh 11-6, 11-6, 11-6, and followed up with a 11-7, 11-4, 11-9 victory over fifth seed Lauren Baltayan of France. In the quarter-finals, she outplayed second seed Nardine Garas 11-8, 15-13, 11-9, before dismantling fourth seed Rana Ismail 11-7, 11-1, 11-5 in the semifinals.

The final against Ali showcased Chinappa’s experience and mental toughness. Despite dropping the third game 6-11, she refocused and closed out the match 11-8 in the fourth, proving that age and ranking are no barriers to elite performance.

“This Japan Open victory is a testament to her unwavering dedication and strategic mastery on court,” noted a PSA spokesperson. “Her ability to adapt mid-match and maintain composure under pressure is what separates a champion from the rest.”

With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games, Chinappa’s achievement is also expected to inspire the next generation of Indian players aiming for global glory.