Macau Open 2026: Ashmita Chaliha reaches semis; Anmol Kharb exits in quarters
Synopsis
Ashmita Chaliha's post-surgery comeback reached a new high at the Macau Open 2026, as the world No. 63 from Assam fought back from a mid-game deficit to beat Korea's Kim Min Sun and reach the women's singles semi-finals. She now faces Park Ga Eun for a place in the final — her biggest shot since returning from a medial meniscus tear.
Key Takeaways
Ashmita Chaliha defeated South Korea's Kim Min Sun 21-16, 21-18 in 37 minutes to reach the Macau Open 2026 women's singles semi-finals.
63 in the world, returned to competition in May 2026 after a three-month injury break following a medial meniscus tear .
She will face South Korea's Park Ga Eun in the semi-finals for a place in the final.
Eighth seed Anmol Kharb (world No.
51 ) lost 14-21, 21-15, 21-13 to fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China in 60 minutes .
Chaliha had previously reached the quarter-finals at the China Masters Super 100 and Malaysia Masters Super 500 since her return.
Ashmita Chaliha advanced to the women's singles semi-final of the Macau Open BWF World Tour Super 300 on Friday, 19 June, defeating South Korea's Kim Min Sun in straight games to continue her impressive post-injury comeback. The 26-year-old from Assam won 21-16, 21-18 in just 37 minutes, setting up a last-four clash against compatriot of sorts — another Korean, Park Ga Eun.
How the Match Unfolded
The opening game was closely contested, with both players level at 14-14 before Chaliha shifted gears. She reeled off four consecutive points to open up a commanding lead and held on comfortably to take the first game 21-16.
The second game told a different story early on — Kim seized the initiative and led by a significant margin of 11-5 at the mid-game interval. However, the left-handed Indian refused to wilt. Chaliha mounted a fierce comeback, winning five straight points from 16-18 to clinch the second game 21-18 and seal the match.
Chaliha's Remarkable Comeback Arc
Chaliha's run at Macau is particularly significant given the adversity she has overcome. Ranked No. 63 in the world, she underwent surgery and an extended rehabilitation following a medial meniscus tear in her right knee sustained at the Korea Open. She returned to competitive badminton in May after a three-month layoff.
Since her return, the results have been steadily improving. She reached the quarter-finals at both the China Masters Super 100 and the Malaysia Masters Super 500 before going one step further this week in Macau. Her next opponent, Park Ga Eun, entered the semi-finals via a walkover after second seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand withdrew from their quarter-final.
Anmol Kharb Exits at Quarter-Final Stage
Fellow Indian Anmol Kharb, the eighth seed and world No. 51, could not replicate Chaliha's result. Kharb faced fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China — ranked 36th in the world — in a quarter-final that stretched to 60 minutes.
Kharb started brightly, taking the opening game 21-14, but Han regrouped decisively. The Chinese shuttler took the second game 21-15 and dominated the decider 21-13 to complete a 14-21, 21-15, 21-13 victory, ending Kharb's campaign at the last-eight stage.
What's Next
With Chaliha through to the semis, India retains a live interest in the women's singles draw at Macau. A win over Park Ga Eun would put Chaliha in her first Super 300 final since returning from injury — a result that would further bolster her world ranking and selection prospects ahead of the international season's busier second half.
Point of View
And the fact that she is now winning three-round BWF Super 300 campaigns within weeks of returning is notable. What the scorelines also reveal is a mental resilience: she trailed 5-11 in the second game and still closed it out. Kharb's exit, meanwhile, underscores a familiar pattern — India's depth in women's singles is growing, but converting quarter-final appearances into semi-final runs against top-10 opposition remains the persistent gap to close.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ashmita Chaliha win her quarter-final at the Macau Open 2026?
Yes, Ashmita Chaliha defeated South Korea's Kim Min Sun 21-16, 21-18 in 37 minutes to advance to the women's singles semi-finals of the Macau Open BWF World Tour Super 300 on 19 June 2026.
Who will Ashmita Chaliha face in the semi-finals?
Chaliha will face South Korea's Park Ga Eun in the semi-finals. Park entered the last four via a walkover after second seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand withdrew from their quarter-final.
Why is Chaliha's Macau Open run significant?
Chaliha returned to competition in May 2026 after a three-month absence caused by a medial meniscus tear in her right knee and subsequent surgery. The Macau semi-final is her deepest run since that comeback, having previously reached only the quarter-finals at the China Masters Super 100 and Malaysia Masters Super 500.
How did Anmol Kharb lose at the Macau Open?
Anmol Kharb, the eighth seed, lost 14-21, 21-15, 21-13 to fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China in a 60-minute quarter-final. Kharb won the opening game but could not sustain her level as Han dominated the second and third games.
What is Ashmita Chaliha's current world ranking?
Ashmita Chaliha is ranked No. 63 in the world as of her Macau Open 2026 campaign.
