Shocking Upsets at India Open 2024: Former World No. 1 Yamaguchi and Reigning Champion Vitidsarn Bow Out
Trang Napie
Sat Jan 27 2024
The India Open 2024 badminton tournament witnessed surprising upsets as former world No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi from Japan and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand were shockingly defeated in the second round. The tournament saw intense matches and unexpected outcomes, with rising stars and underdogs making their mark.
In the women's singles category, former world No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi, currently ranked fourth, suffered an unexpected defeat against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan, ranked 18th in the world. Ongbamrungphan displayed a stellar performance and executed a well-planned strategy to control the pace of the match from the beginning, winning with a score of 21-11, 21-19. She admired Yamaguchi's defensive skills, making it difficult for her opponents to launch successful attacks. However, Ongbamrungphan maintained her focus and determination throughout the match, proving her potential to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Meanwhile, in another surprising upset in the women's singles event, Indonesian world No. 7 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung was defeated by Singapore's Yeo Jia Min, ranked 20th. Tunjung's loss dampened her hopes for the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the Chinese derby, world No. 8 Han Yue was defeated by world No. 10 Wang Zhi Yi, further diminishing her chances of qualifying for the Olympics.
On the other hand, top-seeded women's singles player An Se Young advanced to the quarterfinals with a hard-fought victory over American Beiwen Zhang, ranked ninth. Se Young faced a tough challenge, but she showcased her skills and resilience, winning with a score of 21-19, 14-21, 21-14. World No. 2 Chen Yu Fei, No. 3 Tai Tzu Ying, and No. 6 He Bingjiao also secured their spots in the quarterfinals.
In the men's singles category, Koki Watanabe, ranked 22nd, surprised everyone with a victory over world No. 3 Li Shi Feng from China. Watanabe displayed exceptional speed and movement, overriding Li's height advantage. By employing a strategy of targeting Li's body, Watanabe managed to unsettle him and win with a score of 21-14, 13-21, 21-9.
Another major upset occurred when Hong Kong China's Lee Cheuk Yiu, ranked 18th, defeated reigning champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, ranked 8th in the world. Lee Cheuk Yiu emphasized the need for mental balance and self-improvement during close matches. Despite setbacks, Lee remained calm and composed, securing a well-deserved victory with a score of 16-21, 22-20, 21-21.
The India Open 2024 tournament showcased stunning upsets, proving that underdogs and rising stars can outshine established favorites. Yamaguchi and Vitidsarn's unexpected defeats highlight the unpredictability of badminton and the intense competition among athletes vying for a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await more thrilling matches and potential upsets.