Devika Advances Clinically While Anmol Squanders 11-2 Lead Against Olympic Champion

Devika Sihag advanced to the second round of the Thailand Open 2026 after registering a hard-fought three-game victory over Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira in Bangkok on Wednesday. Devika secured the win with a scoreline of 21-19, 13-21, and 21-15 in a closely contested women’s singles match that showcased her composure during crucial rallies. The Indian shuttler, currently ranked No. 40 in the world, overcame the higher-ranked Japanese player, who entered the contest as World No. 26.

The victory is being viewed as an important breakthrough for the young Indian player at a time when Indian badminton is searching for consistent performances from emerging talents on the international circuit. Devika maintained control in the deciding game after losing momentum in the second set and displayed improved defensive play along with aggressive net exchanges to close out the contest. Her performance earned praise for both her tactical discipline and mental resilience under pressure.

Meanwhile, fellow Haryana shuttler Anmol Kharb endured a heartbreaking defeat against former Olympic champion Chen Yufei despite coming close to one of the biggest wins of her career. Anmol began strongly and stunned the experienced Chinese star by taking the opening game 21-19. After Chen responded by winning the second game 21-13, the Indian youngster raced to an 11-2 lead in the deciding set and appeared firmly in control of the contest.

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However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the mid-game interval as Chen used her experience and tactical awareness to stage a remarkable comeback. Anmol struggled to maintain consistency and appeared uncertain in her shot selection during the closing stages of the match. From leading 11-2, she managed to win only seven more points while Chen dominated long rallies and forced repeated errors from the Indian player to eventually secure a 19-21, 21-13, 21-18 victory.

Anmol Kharb has long been regarded as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects after winning the national title at a young age and contributing to India’s women’s team success at the Asian Championships. Her spirited performance against a former world No. 1 nevertheless highlighted her potential, even though the inability to finish the match exposed the tactical and mental challenges faced by younger players competing at the highest level.

The performances of Devika and Anmol come shortly after India’s bronze medal finish at the Thomas Cup, a result that sparked discussions about the future of Indian badminton and the need for upcoming players to deliver consistent victories at major tournaments. While Devika’s win offered a positive sign for India’s next generation, Anmol’s defeat served as a reminder of the fine margins and composure required to succeed against elite international opponents on the global badminton stage.

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