Malvika Bansod, an Indian badminton player, ran out of steam against Akane Yamaguchi in the China Open Super 1000 quarterfinals.

After defeating Scotland’s Kristy Gilmour and Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, the bronze medallist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, in the tournament’s first two rounds, Malvika stormed the China Open.

Malvika and Yamaguchi have competed against one another on the international circuit three times, with the young Indian unable to record a victory against the previous world champion.

Malvika struggled to get momentum in the quarterfinals and ultimately lost 10-21, 16-21, in a match that lasted just more than 30 minutes. Malvika was making her first-ever quarterfinal appearance in a Super 1000 competition. She is the third Indian, behind Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, to compete in the Super 1000 women’s singles quarterfinals.

Malvika, ranked 43rd in the world, was left perplexed when Yamaguchi jumped out to a commanding 12-4 lead. The shuttler from Nagpur dropped the first game quickly and was only able to gain six more points after falling behind.

In the second game, she performed somewhat better, matching Yamguchi point for point and shot for shot. The pair, who had previously engaged in a few tight matches, seemed to be playing out another close game at 15 all, but Yamaguchi raised the stakes when it counted and demonstrated her class.

After then, Malvika was only able to earn one more point as the Japanese and the previous world champion easily won the match.

India’s participation at the China Open Super 1000 ended with Malvika’s defeat.