French Open: Ashmita Chaliha Stuns World No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi to Storm into Quarterfinals

Ashmita Chaliha beats World No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi in the Round of 16 of the French Open in Paris. Photo: Badminton Photo/BWF

Ashmita Chaliha registered the biggest win of her career as the Assamese shuttler stunned World No. 2 and three-time World Championships gold medallist Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the Round of 16 at the French Open Super 750 on October 22.

Having beaten Han Qian Xi in straight games in the Round of 32, Ashmita maintained her momentum to pull off a stunning 21-19, 21-18 win over Yamaguchi in 37 minutes. The Japanese shuttler was coming off a runner-up finish at the Denmark Open last week.

Interestingly, Yamaguchi had beaten Ashmita in straight games (18-21, 10-21) in their first-ever meeting in the Round of 16 at the Denmark Open. The victory, therefore, served as sweet revenge for the World No. 36 Indian.

Thursday's win also made Ashmita the only Indian woman other than PV Sindhu to beat Yamaguchi.

The 27-year-old opened up a sizeable lead in the first game, going up 14-9. Yamaguchi, however, fought back to draw level at 18-18. Ashmita kept her composure and won the next three points to take the opening game. She showcased…

Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports