The semifinals of the 2025 CSA Individual Championships delivered an unforgettable day of squash on the iconic J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions Glass Court at Grand Central Terminal. For the players, competing in such a prestigious setting—where the world’s top professionals have showcased their talents—was a dream realized. The energy in the venue was electric, with fans cheering enthusiastically and spectators worldwide tuning in via SquashTV to witness the action.
The day began with Princeton’s Zeina Zein facing top-seeded Yee Xin Ying from Cornell in the first Ramsay Cup semifinal. Zein was sharp and efficient, executing her game plan with precision to claim a straight-sets victory. Her ability to anticipate her opponent’s shots and adapt quickly proved decisive, propelling her to the final and sending an early message about her championship form.
Next up, UPENN’s Salman Khalil took on Yale’s Tad Carney in the first Pool Trophy semifinal. Khalil demonstrated remarkable poise and control throughout the match, dictating the pace and capitalizing on key opportunities to secure a 3-0 victory. His ability to execute precise shots and maintain composure under pressure earned him a place in the final.
The third match featured Stanford’s Riya Navani and Columbia’s Chan Sin Yuk in the second Ramsay Cup semifinal, delivering the most tightly contested match of the day. Navani started strong, taking the first two games 11-9 with her attacking play, but Chan roared back to dominate the third and fourth games. In the deciding fifth game, both players displayed incredible grit, but Navani ultimately regrouped and delivered under pressure to earn a hard-fought win and her place in the championship match.
The final semifinal of the day saw UPENN’s Omar Hafez face Trinity’s Joachim Chuah in the second Pool Trophy match. This clash was an intense 80-minute battle of endurance and skill, featuring spectacular rallies that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Early in the fourth game, Chuah took an injury timeout to address a cut on his knee but returned with determination. Despite Chuah’s resilience and spirited effort, Hafez’s consistency and creativity carried him to a 3-0 win, setting up an all-UPENN final.
Semifinal Results:
- Zeina Zein (Princeton) defeated Yee Xin Ying (Cornell) 3-0 in 32 minutes
- Salman Khalil (UPENN) defeated Tad Carney (Yale) 3-0 in 42 minutes
- Riya Navani (Stanford) defeated Chan Sin Yuk (Columbia) 3-2 in 42 minutes
- Omar Hafez (UPENN) defeated Joachim Chuah (Trinity) 3-0 in 80 minutes
The crowd at Grand Central Terminal added to the magic of the day, with fans from each school creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for the players. The level of squash on display was exceptional, and the players rose to the occasion, making it a day to remember for everyone in attendance.
Looking ahead to the finals, the excitement continues to build. The Ramsay Cup final will kick off the action, with Princeton’s Zeina Zein taking on Stanford’s Riya Navani. Both players are coming off fantastic semifinal victories and are in top form heading into the match. This marks their first meeting of the season, adding an element of unpredictability to the encounter. With both athletes showcasing exceptional athleticism and shot-making abilities, fans can expect a thrilling and high-energy contest.
Following the women’s final, the Pool Trophy championship match will feature an all-UPENN showdown between Salman Khalil and Omar Hafez. Khalil, the team’s #1 player, enters the match as the favorite, but Hafez’s stellar performances throughout the weekend make him a serious contender. Known for his ability to retrieve seemingly impossible shots and create opportunities from difficult positions, Hafez will provide a tough challenge for his teammate in what promises to be an exciting battle.