Ashmita Chaliha Stuns Han Qian Xi to Clinch Maiden Korea Masters Title
Ashmita Chaliha produced a remarkable comeback to win the VICTOR Korea Masters 2026, defeating China’s Han Qian Xi in the women’s singles final on Sunday. The Indian shuttler overcame a slow start to beat the fourth seed 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53 minutes and secure her maiden BWF World Tour title.
Ranked No. 50 in the world, Ashmita faced a difficult opening game against the world No. 35 Han, who dictated the early exchanges with her consistency and attacking play. The Chinese shuttler took control of the rallies and comfortably claimed the first game 21-14.
Ashmita, however, responded impressively. The 26-year-old began to find her rhythm and stepped up the aggression in the second game, putting Han under sustained pressure with her attacking strokes. She built her advantage steadily and levelled the final at one game apiece with another 21-14 scoreline.
The decider was closely fought in the early stages, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage. Ashmita stayed composed and continued to attack, gradually gaining the upper hand after the interval.
With the pressure mounting on Han, Ashmita produced a series of confident winners and capitalised on her opponent’s errors. She moved 12-11 ahead with a precise winner that landed close to the line before stretching brilliantly to place another shot just inside the court, opening up a 15-11 lead.
The Indian shuttler remained in control as the finish approached. A sharp cross-court winner extended her advantage to 19-14, and when Han’s next return sailed wide, Ashmita had completed one of the biggest wins of her career.
FIRST SUPER 300 TITLE FOR CHALIHA
The 21-14 victory in the deciding game capped a memorable comeback for Ashmita, who had returned to the BWF Tour in May after a three-month absence caused by a tear in her right knee.
Since returning to competition, the Assam shuttler has gradually rebuilt her confidence and form. She reached the semi-finals of the Macau Open before making her breakthrough in Korea, where she secured her first BWF World Tour title.
Ashmita trains under Park Tae-Sang at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati. Her Korea Masters triumph marks the biggest achievement of her comeback and provides a significant boost to her career.
The victory also extends India’s impressive recent run in women’s singles on the BWF World Tour. Ashmita’s title comes just a week after Tanvi Sharma won the Taipei Open, giving India consecutive women’s singles titles on the international circuit.
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