Macau Open 2026: Ashmita Chaliha loses in semis as Indian campaign ends

Ashmita Chaliha's inspired run at the 2026 Macau Open Super 300 came to a halt on Saturday as she went down to South Korea's Park Ga Eun in the women's singles semi-finals.

The left-handed Chaliha lost out 17-21, 9-21 in a contest which lasted 38 minutes, ending India's campaign in the tournament.

The Indian, ranked 63 in the world, had a strong start to the contest, leading 15-11 but lost the momentum soon after. Park pocketed six points in a row to lead 17-15.

Though Chaliha fought back to level up at 17-17, the South Korean shuttler raced away in the closing stages to win the opening game.

The second game saw a close start with both players level at 3-3, but Chaliha, much like the first game, completely lost her rhythm to crash out without a fight.

Anmol Kharb, who had earlier lost in the quarter-finals of the tournament, was spotted in the coaching chair for Chaliha in the semi-final against Park.