Ashmita Chaliha beats Han Qianxi to win maiden BWF World tour title at Korea Masters

Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha scripted a memorable chapter in her career as she won her maiden BWF World Tour title with a stunning comeback victory over China's Han Qianxi in the women's singles final of the Korea Masters Super 300.The 26-year-old from Guwahati overcame a slow start to beat Han 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in a 53-minute final, underlining her resilience and fighting spirit on the biggest day of her career.Chaliha struggled to find her rhythm in the opening game as Han took control of the proceedings. The Chinese shuttler claimed the first game 21-14, leaving the Indian with little room for error. However, Chaliha responded emphatically in the second game. She raised the intensity of her attacking play, found greater consistency and forced Han onto the defensive.The Indian levelled the match by taking the second game 21-14, setting up a tense decider.The deciding game proved to be a test of Chaliha's temperament. She trailed 9-11 at a crucial stage but refused to let the deficit derail her momentum. Chaliha produced a brilliant late surge, winning the key points and maintaining her aggressive approach to close out the game 21-14 and seal the biggest title of her career.The triumph is particularly significant for Chaliha after a difficult period earlier this year. She was forced to spend three months on the sidelines after suffering a meniscus tear in her right knee. Her return has now culminated in the biggest title of her career, marking an impressive comeback on the international circuit.With the Korea Masters triumph, Chaliha becomes only the fifth Indian woman to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 or higher-level title. She joins an elite list featuring Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Devika Sihag and Tanvi Sharma.