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India’s Ashmita Chaliha advanced to the women’s singles second round at the Denmark Open 2026 after defeating Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova in straight games. However, compatriot Unnati Hooda bowed out after losing a closely contested three-game encounter against China’s Han Qian Xi.
Ashmita won 21–18, 22–20 in her opening match and now faces a tougher challenge against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, a former world champion who also progressed from the first round.
The BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament is being held at SJF Bank Arena in Odense, Denmark, from October 13 to 18.
Ashmita showed composure in the closing stages of both games to secure a 21–18, 22–20 victory over Nalbantova. The Indian shuttler avoided a deciding game by holding her nerve in a tight second game, which went beyond the usual 21-point mark.
The win keeps Ashmita in contention at one of the major tournaments on the BWF World Tour calendar. She will now have an opportunity to test herself against a more experienced opponent in the next round.
Ashmita’s next opponent is Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who defeated Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt 21–15, 13–21, 21–18 in a three-game opening-round match.
Yamaguchi’s ability to recover after dropping the second game makes the upcoming contest a demanding test for the Indian. Ashmita will need to maintain her attacking intent, manage rallies carefully and capitalise on scoring opportunities.
The match also gives Ashmita a chance to measure her progress against one of the leading names in international women’s badminton.
Unnati Hooda’s campaign ended after she lost to China’s Han Qian Xi in a match that lasted three games. Han edged the opening game 23–21 before Unnati responded with a 21–16 win in the second.
The Chinese shuttler then took the deciding game 21–16 to complete a 23–21, 16–21, 21–16 victory.
Unnati fought back to level the match, but Han regained control in the decider to secure her place in the next round. The result ends Unnati’s run in the women’s singles draw at this edition of the Denmark Open.
The Denmark Open is part of the BWF World Tour Super 750 circuit and brings together leading players from across the world. The tournament provides Indian shuttlers with an important opportunity to compete against elite international opposition.
Ashmita’s progression offers India another singles player to follow as the tournament continues. Her upcoming meeting with Yamaguchi will be a significant test, while the results elsewhere will shape the remaining draw.
India’s wider campaign has included mixed outcomes, with players facing challenging opponents across the singles and doubles events.
Tournament: Denmark Open 2026
Category: BWF World Tour Super 750
Dates: October 13–18, 2026
Venue: SJF Bank Arena, Odense, Denmark
Match to watch: Ashmita Chaliha vs Akane Yamaguchi, women’s singles second round
CSW Badminton — Denmark Open 2026 draw and results: https://cswsports.co.uk/badminton/denmark-open
Indian Express — Denmark Open Super 750: Sindhu crashes out, Srikanth and Tanvi advance: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/badminton/denmark-open-pv-sindhu-crashes-out-kidambi-srikanth-tanvi-sharma-10920501/
Official Denmark Open website: https://denmarkopen.dk/
