BWF China Open 2024: Malvika Bansod vs Akane Yamaguchi head-to-head record 

The China Open women's singles quarterfinals on Friday (September 20) will feature Malvika Bansod and Akane Yamaguchi as the two shuttlers clash for a berth in the final four. Going into their match, the Japanese remains the favorite for the win, but Bansod's performances in Changzhou have made it clear that she is not to be underestimated.

Prior to this impending clash, Malvika and Akane Yamaguchi have faced off against each other twice, with the former World No. 1 emerging victorious on each occasion and holding a 2-0 record. The first time the duo battled was back in 2021, at the Uber Cup.

On that instance, an in-form Yamaguchi needed only 34 minutes to take down the Indian, with the scoreline reading 21-17, 21-12.

Malvika Bansod and Akane Yamaguchi’s most recent meeting took place in 2023, and saw the youngster fare far better than she had at the Uber Cup. Playing at the Badminton Asia Championships in Dubai, Bansod wasn't quite able to push her Japanese opponent to the full distance, but came close, with the scoreline reading 23-25, 19-21.

Malvika Bansod at the China Open

To set up this quarterfinal clash with Akane Yamaguchi at the China Open, Malvika Bansod has had to wade through tricky water. In her first round, she took on Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. In what turned out to be one of the biggest upsets of the opening day, the Indian took down the Paris Olympics bronze medalist 26-24, 21-19.

Bansod next battled Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour, and needed three games and an hour before she clinched the win 21-17, 19-21, 21-16.

On the other hand, Yamaguchi hasn't had to exhaust herself much so far at the China Open, and will come into her clash with Bansod fairly well-rested. The two shuttlers will play the fourth match on Court 2 of the Olympics Sports Centre Gymnasium on Friday, with the first match beginning at 10 AM local time.