Ashmita Chaliha Achieves Stunning Victory Over World No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi
Ashmita Chaliha's Remarkable Win
Indian badminton player Ashmita Chaliha expressed that her triumph against world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi at the 2026 Badminton French Open holds significant meaning for her, especially after overcoming a challenging period. The 27-year-old athlete defeated the three-time world champion with scores of 21-19, 21-18 in just 37 minutes during the women's singles second round, advancing her to the quarter-finals of the BWF Super 750 tournament.
Significance of the Victory
"It feels surreal. I’m still processing everything! Defeating a player like Akane, who has accomplished so much in badminton, is incredibly special. This victory is particularly meaningful to me after facing tough times. It boosts my confidence and reassures me that my hard work is yielding results. I’m truly happy and proud of my performance today," Chaliha shared.
Learning from Past Experiences
Currently ranked 36th globally, Chaliha had previously lost to Yamaguchi in straight sets at the Denmark Open just a week prior. She noted that this experience was instrumental in her preparation for their rematch in Paris. "Having faced her last week in Denmark, I knew what to expect and focused on learning from that match instead of dwelling on the outcome. I aimed to enjoy the game and perform my best. Today, I concentrated on being patient, maintaining composure, and seizing opportunities as they arose. Against a player like Akane, you must remain alert at all times, so I worked hard to stay focused and trust my skills. I’m thrilled that I could implement my strategies effectively and turn the tide," she explained.
Match Highlights
Chaliha started strong in the first game, taking an 18-14 lead before Yamaguchi rallied to tie the score at 18-18. However, Chaliha maintained her composure in the final moments, clinching the game 21-19. The second game was tightly contested early on, with the score tied at 7-7, but Chaliha managed to pull ahead and secure the victory in straight games. Her defensive skills and consistent returns pressured the Japanese player, leading to several unforced errors.
Future Matches at the French Open
Chaliha, who previously won her first BWF World Tour title at the Korea Masters Super 300 earlier this year, is set to face either Japan's Olympic medallist and former world champion Nozomi Okuhara or Thailand's world No. 8 Pornpawee Chochuwong in the quarter-finals. Yamaguchi had recently finished as the runner-up at the World Championships in New Delhi, losing to South Korea's An Se Young in the final. Additionally, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also progressed to the quarter-finals after defeating Japan's Riko Gunji with scores of 21-12, 21-16 in 44 minutes.