Korea Open 2026: Tanvi Sharma beats Manami Suizu, to face Hina Akechi in round of 16

File photo: Tanvi Sharma is ranked 21st in the BWF World Rankings. | Photo Credit: AFP

Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma advanced to the Round of 16 at the Korea Open 2026 after beating Japan’s Manami Suizu 21-16, 12-21, 21-17 on Wednesday.

Tanvi dominated the opening game, never trailing on the scoreboard. Although Suizu managed to draw level at 14-14, the Indian regained control, dropping just two more points to take the game.

Suizu made a strong start to the second game, racing to a 6-1 lead. Tanvi fought back with five consecutive points to draw level, but the 23-year-old Japanese shuttler held her nerve to keep pace at 12-12 before reeling off nine straight points to force a decider.

The third game was closely contested, with both players exchanging the lead. Tanvi eventually opened up a 13-9 advantage and held off a late fightback from Suizu to seal the match.

In the Round of 16, Tanvi will face Japan’s Hina Akechi for the fourth time. She beat Akechi in the Guwahati Masters semifinal in December 2025, but lost to her at the Thailand Open in May 2026.