India’s Velavan Senthilkumar clinched the US$35,000 PSA Copper-level Czech Open in Brno, Czech Republic, defeating Scotland’s top seed and World No. 31 Greg Lobban 13-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-7 in the final on November 2. The fourth-seeded Indian, ranked World No. 42, secured his 12th PSA Tour title and second Copper-level crown, following his maiden Copper-level triumph at the Budapest Open in August.
The 28-year-old’s latest success follows a two-bronze-medal campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where he finished on the podium in the mixed team event with Joshna Chinappa and as part of India’s men’s team.
Composure In The Final
Senthilkumar had to fight back from a difficult position in the opening game after trailing Lobban 6-10. He saved four game points before taking the game 13-11, giving him an early psychological advantage against the tournament’s top seed.
The Indian then won the second game 11-5 to move 2-0 ahead. Lobban responded by taking the third 11-8, but Senthilkumar remained composed in the fourth, closing out the match 11-7. The final lasted 73 minutes, with the Indian completing a 3-1 victory over the higher-ranked Scot.
A Strong Run In Brno
The fourth seed received a first-round bye before beginning his campaign against Brazil’s Diego Gobbi. He defeated Gobbi 11-4, 11-7, 11-2 in the second round before overcoming eighth seed Jeremias Azaña of Argentina 11-3, 11-8, 11-7 in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-finals, Senthilkumar produced another straight-games win, defeating second seed and World No. 32 Auguste Dussourd of France 11-7, 12-10, 11-1. He therefore reached the final without dropping a game, where he faced Lobban, who had also progressed through the draw as the top seed.
Second Copper Crown
The Czech Open victory is Senthilkumar’s second PSA Copper-level title of the season after his breakthrough at the Budapest Open in August. That victory had been his first title in the category and took his career PSA Tour tally to 11.
His triumph in Brno now takes the overall tally to 12 PSA Tour titles. The Czech Open itself carried a US$35,000 purse and was staged at Centrum Viktoria in Brno from October 29 to November 2.
Asian Games Success
Senthilkumar had already enjoyed a productive Asian Games campaign in Aichi-Nagoya before returning to the PSA circuit. He won a bronze medal in the mixed team event alongside Joshna Chinappa and another bronze as part of India’s men’s team.
The men’s team, featuring Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani, lost 2-1 to Malaysia in the semi-finals before securing a third-place finish. Following the mixed team bronze, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chinappa and Senthilkumar, praising their “skill and determination” and describing their performance as exceptional.
Building Towards LA28
The Czech Open title adds to a strong stretch of results for Senthilkumar, with two Copper-level titles and two Asian Games bronze medals in 2026. The achievement also comes as squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. While the Czech Open result itself does not guarantee Olympic qualification, continued performances on the PSA Tour will provide Indian players with opportunities to compete against high-ranked international opponents and strengthen their standing in the sport.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Senthilkumar’s victory is a reminder that sporting success is often shaped by resilience, patience and consistency. His recovery from 6-10 down in the opening game showed the importance of staying composed when the pressure is highest, while his two Copper-level titles this season demonstrate the value of sustained performances rather than a single breakthrough.
For Indian sport, his journey also highlights why athletes in disciplines beyond cricket deserve visibility, investment and long-term support. As squash moves towards its Olympic debut, can performances like Senthilkumar’s inspire more young Indians to take up the sport and dream of competing on the world stage?
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