Anahat, ranked No. 20 in the world and fresh from winning the world junior championship in July, produced another impressive display against a higher-ranked opponent but could not complete the comeback after taking a two-game lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Eighth-seeded Gilis made a strong start, taking the opening game 11-4. However, Anahat responded brilliantly, raising her intensity and winning the next two games 11-8, 11-9 to move within a game of securing a place in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Belgian, who has reached a career-high ranking of No. 5, then used her experience to turn the contest around. Gilis levelled the match by taking the fourth game 11-4 before maintaining her momentum in the decider, winning it 11-3 to seal her place in the next round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the defeat, Anahat\u2019s run in Doha marks another encouraging outing against established opposition as the 17-year-old continues to make her mark on the senior circuit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian had begun her Qatar Classic campaign on a strong note, defeating world No. 16 Farida Mohamed of Egypt 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7 in the opening round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anahat was part of a four-member Indian singles contingent at the tournament, alongside Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani and Tanvi Khanna.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian had begun her Qatar Classic campaign on a strong note, defeating world No. 16 Farida Mohamed of Egypt 13-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7 in the opening round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian squash players will now turn their attention towards the Asian Games in Japan, where Anahat, Abhay, Chotrani and Tanvi will spearhead the country\u2019s singles challenge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n