Indian badminton star Malvika Bansod continued her impressive run at the China Open, securing a place in the Super 1000 quarterfinal for the first time in her career. The 22-year-old, ranked 43rd in the world, faced a stiff challenge against two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Kristy Gilmour of Scotland, ranked 25th. The match went down to the wire, with Malvika prevailing in a thrilling three-set battle, 21-17, 19-21, 21-16, after an hour and five minutes of intense play.
“This is a dream come true, the biggest achievement of my life so far!” Malvika exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “I had dreamt about reaching the quarters, and now I’m in the top 8. It’s an amazing feeling.”
This victory comes hot on the heels of Malvika’s stunning upset over Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia. The Nagpur shuttler has been thriving in the challenging conditions, highlighting her strong retrieving skills and ability to control the shuttlecock.
“I’ve been focusing on strengthening my physical endurance, and it’s paying off,” Malvika explained. “This circuit is incredibly tough, especially at Super 500 and 1000 events where you face top-ranked players right from the first round. Being physically strong is crucial.”
However, Malvika’s journey isn’t over yet. She now faces a formidable opponent in the quarterfinal – fourth seed and two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. While Yamaguchi has won both previous encounters, Malvika believes she can turn the tables this time. “I’m in good form, and I’ll give it my all,” she said, radiating confidence.
Malvika’s remarkable performance at the China Open has solidified her position as a rising star in the world of badminton. With her determination and grit, she has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Her journey is one to watch, and fans eagerly await to see if she can pull off another upset and reach the semi-finals.
