India, Oct. 22 -- Ashmita Chaliha secured the biggest win of her career at the French Open in Tremblay-en-France on Thursday, defeating three-time champion and world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi in the second round.

The southpaw from Assam won 21-19, 21-18 to become the first Indian shuttler, after PV Sindhu, to beat the world No. 2. Sindhu had beaten Yamaguchi at the Thailand Open in 2022.

Ashmita, who missed her favourite Durga Puja celebrations back home, came armed with a clear plan: repeatedly push Yamaguchi into the far backhand corner to open up the court. The Indian combined clever drops with powerful smashes, remained composed through long rallies and picked her moments to attack.

The victory also served as sweet revenge for Ashmita,...