(Badminton News) Ashmita Chaliha’s distinctive left-handed style, coupled with an aggressive mindset, has always made her a captivating player. While she excels in the jump smash, a rarity in women’s singles, her inconsistency has hindered the full utilization of her talent. Despite the frustrations and unforced errors, she achieved a significant milestone at the Thailand Masters by reaching the Super 300 semifinals, a first in her career and a noteworthy feat for an Indian not named Sindhu or Nehwal.
In the quarterfinal against Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo, Ashmita Chaliha displayed both brilliance and frustration. After a stunning comeback to win the first game, she faced a tough challenge in the second, losing a lead but ultimately triumphed in the decisive third game. Her ability to regroup and secure the victory showcased the extremes of her game.
Ashmita Chaliha’s journey includes a brave encounter with Tai Tzu Ying in Chennai a few years back, highlighting her courage against top opponents. Despite few significant wins on the tour, victories over higher-ranked Pai Yu Po and Ester serve as a reminder of her potential. As she faces Supanida Katethong in the semifinals, both aggressive lefties with a strong jump smash, Ashmita has an opportunity for a breakthrough at the World Tour level.
While Ashmita stands as the last Indian contender, Mithun Manjunath faced defeat in men’s singles, and Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand lost in women’s doubles. Despite a dominating performance, Treesa and Gayatri fell short, emphasizing the frustration of a missed opportunity in Bangkok.
