The 2025 British Junior Open has once again delivered a spectacle, showcasing the incredible talent and competitive spirit of junior squash players from around the globe. For every young squash enthusiast, this is the tournament to be part of—where dreams are made, reputations are built, and future stars emerge.
This year’s tournament did not disappoint, with over 600 entries across five different age categories, making it one of the most prestigious events on the junior squash calendar.
All the games were played at the finest Squash clubs in both Birmingham and Solihull – The Priory Club, Sutton Coldfield Squash Club, West Warwickshire Sports Club, Solihull Arden Club, and the University of Birmingham.
The stage was set for a thrilling start to the 2025 season.
A Platform for Champions
The British Junior Squash Open is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for young players looking to make their mark. Many competitors had already warmed up with the Scottish Junior Squash Open in December, aiming to secure a rare double victory in the British Isles.
This annual event also highlights the growing importance of junior squash, driving participation and raising the profile of clubs across the UK.
Opening Day Highlights: Khalil and Anahat Impress
Day one kicked off with a bang as England’s Ali Khalil lived up to his newly minted top-seed status in the BU15 category. Despite the pressure, Khalil dominated Canada’s Theodor Song, dropping just five points and setting the tone for a stellar campaign. His upcoming clash with Japan’s Elshin Arita promises more fireworks.
Meanwhile, India’s squash prodigy Anahat Singh looked every bit the champion in the GU17 category, easing past her opponents to keep her hopes alive for a third BJO title. Her poise and precision on the court are a joy to watch, making her one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The BU19 category also delivered drama, with Malaysia’s Harith Danial Jefri narrowly surviving a tough opener against Mexico’s Luis Mendez. On the glass court, Jefri’s 13-11, 11-9, 12-10 victory was a reminder of why he’s the top seed. Other top contenders like Youssef Salem (Egypt) and Abdallah Eissa (England) advanced with relative ease, setting up exciting matchups in the later rounds.
Egypt’s Dominance Meets American Grit
It wouldn’t be the British Junior Open without Egypt asserting its squash supremacy. From the GU15 to the BU13 divisions, Egyptian players delivered commanding performances. Rama El Naggar and Habiba Rizk cruised through their matches, while Moez Tamer Elmoghazy lived up to his top-seed billing in the BU13 draw.
But amidst Egypt’s dominance, the USA shone brightly on Day 3. Christian Capella stunned the squash world with a straight-game victory over top-seeded Harith Danial Jefri in the BU19 quarter-finals. His powerful performance is a testament to the growing strength of American squash. Capella now stands just two wins away from making history as only the second American male to lift a BJO trophy.
Not to be outdone, Alexander Dartnell, another American standout, upset Malaysia’s Low Wa-Sern in straight games. His next challenge? A semi-final clash with Egypt’s Youssef Salem—a true test of his mettle.
Anahat Singh completes hat-trick quest
India’s Anahat Singh continued to steal the show as she advanced to the GU17 quarter-finals, keeping her dream of a third consecutive BJO title alive. Her dominance on the court, combined with a steely determination, made her a firm favourite to lift the trophy once again and that she did on Monday.
In the GU13 division, however, upsets stole the headlines. Top-seeded Habiba Wael bowed out in the second round, falling to fellow Egyptian Salma Elbaz in a four-game battle. The younger generation of Egyptian players, including Nazli Orfi and Lilly Elsayed, proved they are ready to carry the torch, with impressive wins over higher-seeded opponents.
New champions crowned in Finals
Going into the finals, 20 exceptional players from five nations are set to compete for the prestigious British Junior Squash Open crown in their age category.
Winning a British Junior Squash Open title promises not only to elevate their careers but also to put their countries in the spotlight.
All the finals will be played out on the Glass Court at the University of Birmingham, with playoff matches taking place at the University and Edgbaston Priory.
In a thrilling match in the B15 category title for Team USA player Vivaan Mehta won America’s first B15 title against top seed Ali Khalil (Eng).
Egypt dominated again with titles for their talent.
Janna Halal won the G19 title; she was a BJO U11 finalist in 2018 and claimed the title in a final last year’s U17 champion, Nadien Elhammamy (Egy), in five sets. 11-7, 11-5, 11-13, 8-11, 11-6.
Habiba Rizk (Egy) won her second title 3-1 [3/4] Rinad Hytham Elmergawy (Egy) 11-5, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6 (32m)
Meanwhile, the B17 final saw an epic all-Egyptian final with Seifeldin Refaay defeating Adam Hawal (Egy) 12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8.
With all these successes, Egypt was overshadowed by Pakistan, who won in the BU13 category.
Muhammad Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat 3-2 [1] Moez Tamer Elmoghazy (Egy) to claim Pakistan’s first title in 18 years.
The Bigger Picture
The British Junior Squash Open is more than just a tournament; it’s a reflection of the sport’s growing global reach. Players from the UK, Egypt, the USA, India, and beyond are pushing each other to new heights. While Egypt remains the powerhouse of junior squash, the emergence of American, Indian, and even Chinese players (notably Yuan Xi Liu and Ziyuan Yin in the BU13) signals a more competitive future for the sport.
If there was an award for player of the tournament, it would go to England’s Ali Khalil, who was promoted to top-seed status, following the withdrawal of another player and made it to the BU15 final against Vivaan Mehta (USA).
For fans and aspiring players, the 2025 British Junior Open has been a feast of high-quality squash. From nail-biting five-setters to commanding straight-game wins, the tournament has offered something for everyone. As the competition heads into the semi-finals, the stakes are higher than ever.
