Denmark Open 2026: Ashmita Chaliha fights past Kaloyana Nalbantova; to face Yamaguchi next

File photo: Ashmita Chaliha digs deep to reach the round of 16, beating Kaloyana Nalbantova. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ashmita Chaliha beat Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova 21-18, 22-20 at the Denmark Open to progress to the round of 16, but the Indian had to work hard for the straight-games victory.

Ashmita made a quick start in the opening game but surrendered her lead, with the score remaining close from 7-7 to 18-17. She eventually edged ahead to take the game 21-18.

The second game was even tighter, with Ashmita having to hold her nerve to clinch the win. She lost the lead at 5-6 and could not regain it until the score was tied at 20-20. She then won two consecutive points to seal the match 22-20.

Ashmita will next face third seed Akane Yamaguchi — she beat M. Blichfeldt 21-15, 13-21, 21-18 — of Japan in the round of 16.

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In the other women’s singles match, Unnati Hooda was unable to get past China’s Han Qian Xi, losing 21-23, 21-16, 16-21.

Despite keeping the scores level at 10-10 and 21-21 in the first game, Unnati was unable to close it out in a closely fought contest from the start.

In the second game, Unnati led from the outset until Han drew level at 16-16. However, the Indian held her nerve to win the game 21-16 and force a decider.

In the third game, Unnati appeared to lose momentum and trailed throughout, eventually going down 16-21.