New Delhi: Ashmita Chaliha produced a determined performance before bowing out in the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Masters after a hard fought defeat against Denmark’s Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt on Friday.
Competing at the Axiata Arena, the Indian shuttler started strongly and claimed a closely contested opening game before eventually going down 23-21, 18-21, 11-21 to the world No. 23 and tournament eighth seed in a match lasting just over an hour.
The performance marked another encouraging step in Chaliha’s comeback journey after returning from an eight month rehabilitation period following a medial meniscus tear in her right knee. Ranked world No. 71, she showed resilience and attacking intent against the higher ranked Dane for much of the contest.
Chaliha began confidently, edging the first game after a tense exchange of rallies and momentum shifts. In the second game too, she looked in control early and built a 10-5 advantage before Kjaersfeldt fought back to level the score at 13-13. The Danish player then gained momentum in the closing stages and forced the match into a decider.
The final game saw Kjaersfeldt dominate from the start as she quickly established a lead and maintained control throughout to secure her place in the semifinals.
Earlier in the tournament, Chaliha had impressed with a straight games victory over Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei to reach the last eight stage.
India, however, endured an overall disappointing campaign at the tournament with several players making early exits. Malvika Bansod also crashed out after losing to Kjaersfeldt despite winning the opening game. Meanwhile, reigning Thailand Masters champion Devika Sihag suffered defeat against China’s top seed Chen Yufei.
Indian pairs competing in mixed doubles and men’s doubles were also eliminated, bringing India’s challenge at the tournament to an end.
