JAKARTA – Kusuma Wardani passed the first exam of the 2026 India Open. She defeated Michelle Li from Canada to secure a ticket to the second round of the BWF Super 750 tournament.
The badminton player, who is the top six favorite, has to go through a fight in the three-set match 21-12, 20-22 and 21-15 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, India, Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Putri said the struggle to chase his dream at the tournament was not easy, especially the weather conditions on the field.
“Today, I’m quite satisfied that I was able to win again against Michelle Li because it’s not easy with the situation on the field. It’s cold, it’s a little windy, and there seems to be a mist or smoke on the field which affects the game a little bit because the ball seems a little blurry,” Putri said.
The victory brightened Princess’s dating record with Li. On paper, she now has a 2-0 record against the 34-year-old.
Another victory was achieved by Putri when they met in the semi-final of the Australian Open 2025 last November. At the time, Putri was also forced to play three games.
The princess will then face the Danish Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt. On paper, Princess has a 3-2 record, with two wins coming in their last matchup.
“Lusa meets Line Kjaersfeldt who has an incredible fighting spirit. I can’t lose his fighting spirit first,” said the Tangerang badmintonist.
Putri is one of four Indonesian representatives playing in India. She went down with Jonatan Christie, Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Mohammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani and Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi/Lanny Tria Mayasari.
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