Anmol Kharb’s impressive campaign at the Arctic Open 2025 ended with a semifinal defeat to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who won 21-10, 21-13 in just 29 minutes.
Kharb, 18, showed grit and determination but couldn’t match Yamaguchi’s precision and pace. The Japanese star, ranked world No. 4, controlled both games with sharp strokes and superior court coverage.
Kharb started strong, narrowing Yamaguchi’s early lead to 6-7 in the first game. Yamaguchi responded with a dominant stretch, winning 10 of the next 11 points. Kharb challenged a game-point call but failed to overturn it.
In the second game, Yamaguchi again surged to a 7-3 lead. Kharb stayed close until 12-14 but committed errors under pressure. Yamaguchi maintained her rhythm and sealed the match when Kharb hit the net.
Kharb reached her first Super 500 semifinal after defeating top-30 players Wen Chi Hsu and Lin Hsiang Ti, and Denmark’s Amelie Schulz. Her run included straight-game wins and showcased her rising potential.
A national champion at 16, Kharb also finished runner-up at the Cameroon International and claimed titles in Belgium and Poland. Despite the loss, she gained valuable experience against a three-time world champion.
Yamaguchi will face either Busanan Ongbamrungphan or Ratchanok Intanon in the final. Anmol Kharb loses to Yamaguchi but leaves the Arctic Open with her head held high.
