Promising Indian shuttler Anmol Kharb reached the final of the Belgian International on Friday. He will now look forward to winning her maiden BWF title.
Anmol, who rose to fame in February for helping India win the historic Badminton Asia Team Championships title, defeated higher-ranked Kaloyana Nalbantova in the semifinals.
In a gruelling three-game contest, Anmol displayed her tremendous grit and fitness as she prevailed in the final in 76 minutes.
Anmol, currently ranked 222nd in the world, made a brisk start to the match as she took a game lead winning the opening game 21-13. However, the World No. 68 Kaloyana, who represents Bulgaria, forced the decider by claiming the topsy-turvy second game 26-24.
The 17-year-old Indian player had the chance to wrap up the contest in straight games. However, Kaloyana edged her to push the match into the third game.
In the decider, another close game prevailed but Anmol held her nerves to win the game 21-9 and the contest.
The Indian player will face World No. 80 Amalie Schulz of Denmark in the final on Saturday.
Prior to the semifinal, Anmol won all her matches in straight games in the tournament. Starting the tournament as a qualifier, Anmol defeated Carla Dubois of France and Sophia Noble of Italy in the Qualifiers.
In the main draw of the event, she retained her form and beat Emilie Drouin of France in the Round of 32. In the round of 16, Rachel Sugden of Scotland was no match for Anmol as she won the match 21-9, 21-19. In the quarterfinal, Anmol defeated Irina Amalie Andersen, again in straight games.
On Saturday, the Indian youngster will be determined to win her first international title on her maiden appearance in the final.