China Open 2024: Malvika Bansod defeats Kirsty Gilmour, enters quarterfinals

Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod has advanced into the last eight of the BWF Super 1000 China Open tournament, defeating Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland in the women's singles round of 16 tie, on Thursday. 

Facing the world no.25, Bansod stood tall and produced a commanding victory, winning 2-1 (21-17, 19-21, 21-16). 

Following her big upset yesterday where Bansod defeated Paris Olympics bronze medalist Gregoria Tunjung of Indonesia, Bansod has once again defeated a higher-ranking opponent in Gilmour. 

With this win, she becomes the first Indian women's singles shuttler after Saina Nehwal and P.V Sindhu to advance to the last eight of a Super 1000 tournament. 

Gilmour started the game on the front foot, racing into an 11-5 lead in game one, but Bansod fought back and took 16 of the next 22 points, winning the first game 21-17 and taking a 1-0 lead. 

The second game was closely fought right from the first point and continued to be so until the end. 

Gilmour held her composure, edged ahead towards the end, and won the game 21-19, drawing the match 1-1 and taking it into a decider. 

Bansod completely dominated the decider, first getting into the mid-game break with a huge 11-4 lead and then earning herself nine match points. 

Although Gilmour tried hard to save them and took five points on the trot, Bansod eventually sealed the tie, winning the decider 21-16. 

Bansod will face two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals tomorrow, 20th September at 7:30 am, IST.