Arctic Open Badminton: Malvika Bansod loses to Thailand’s Ratchanok Inthanon by 15-21, 8-21
Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod‘s journey at the Arctic Open 2024 came to an end after she lost to former World Champion Ratchanok Inthanon of Thailand in straight games in Round of 16.
Malvika, who defeated World No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei in the first round, lost of Inthanon 15-21, 8-21 in the Women’s Singles.
Malvika was always expected to face difficulties against the Thai superstar. Though she tried her level best, Malvika could not match up to the experience of Inthanon. Ratchanok Intanon, the 2013 World Champion had defeated Wang Zhi Yi of China in the first round.
Also read: Arctic Open: PV Sindhu exits; Malvika Bansod enters pre-quarters
Malvika is one of India’s rising badminton talents
The 23-year-old Malvika, who fought bravely to beat World No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei in Round 1, has been in seriously great form of late.
Malvika who claimed a tough win in two sets in an exciting first round match that lasted 57 minutes had a dream run at the recently concluded China Open. Before losing to two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals, Malvika had defeated two-time Commonwealth Games medalist and world No. 25 Kristy Gilmour from Scotland in the round of 16 after defeating world No. 7 Indonesian Gregoria Tunjung in the opening round of the Super 1000 tournament.
Also read: China Open Badminton: Malvika Bansod upsets Paris Olympics medalist
During the Syed Modi International tournament, Malvika beat other upcoming badminton players like Aakarshi Kashyap and entered the final where she was defeated by two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu. Nevertheless, it left PV Sindhu impressed.
Before achieving a podium finish at Syed Modi International, Malvika Bansod defeated her inspiration Saina Nehwal at the India Open Super 500 event.
