Ashmita Chaliha
Several big names saw their campaigns come to an end at the French Badminton Open as lesser-fancied contenders continued to make their mark in Paris.
Women’s singles, No.2 seed Wang Zhiyi of China was shown the door by Japan’s Hina Akechi 21-19, 22-20 while Taiwanese Chi Yujen defeated teammate and No.5 seed Chou Tien Chen 21-18, 20-22, 21-17 in the men’s singles.
Another player enjoying a breakthrough week was Ashmita Chaliha, who claimed the biggest victory of her career with a 21-19 21-18 win over Denmark Open runner-up Akane Yamaguchi to reach her maiden Super 750 quarterfinal.
Having lost to Yamaguchi just a week earlier in Denmark, Ashmita had a different mindset in Paris.
“I played her last week in Denmark. I had no hopes or expectations. She’s a legend, so I was just looking forward to giving my best and everything else would follow.”
The world No.36 drew confidence from her previous encounter and was better prepared to deal with one of Yamaguchi’s most dangerous shots.
“Her deceptive drop is very effective and it was very difficult for me to take. Today I was ready for her drops as well.”
Patience also proved crucial throughout the contest.
“I’ve been more patient this tournament.”
Only after the match did the significance of the result begin to sink in.
“That’s my biggest win, I think. I’m still trying to digest it. I think it will take a day. This is my first 750 quarterfinal and I’m super proud of myself and how I played here. I watch men’s singles as part of the inspiration for my style. I really like Lin-Chun Yi. He’s left handed like me and explosive – I really like this play style.”
Ashmita’s reward is another daunting challenge against Japanese world champion Nozomi Okuhara, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
The German duo of Marvin Seidel-Thuc Phuong Nguyen were among the day’s standout performers, reaching the quarterfinals with a 21-17 14-21 21-19 victory over World No. 2 Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin of China.
The result caps a remarkable run in Paris for the Germans, who have now beaten two top 10 pairs in Paris after also accounting for the world No.9s when they defeated Goh Soon Huat-Lai Shevon Jemie of Malaysia in the first round.
The Chinese pair arrived in France having won consecutive titles at the Arctic Open and Demark Open, but Seidel and Nguyen refused to be overawed by their lofty ranking.
“It was one of the best wins for us so far,” said Nguyen.
The pair believed they needed to be brave and committed to their game plan.We can play against them. We had to not hide and be really brave.”
For Seidel, the run is about more than results alone.
“We are still there and trying our best.Even with victory within touching distance, Nguyen remained focused solely on the next rally. I wanted to press on the net and didn’t think about the result at all.”
The Germans will next face Malaysia’s Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing for a place in the semi-finals.
