Malvika Bansod storms into the semifinals at the Lithuanian International Badminton tournament 

It was a perfect day for Malvika Bansod as the third seed won two matches to storm into the women’s singles semifinals of the RSL Lithuanian International badminton tournament in Kaunas on Saturday.

The four-day Future Series tournament organized by the Lithuanian Badminton Federation will conclude on Sunday.

Nineteen-year-old Malvika Bansod thumped Heli Neiman of Israel 21-10, 21-11 in just 29 minutes to start her day on a rousing note. The talented southpaw was in complete control against her Israeli opponent.

Later in the day, World No. 128 Malvika Bansod outclassed Katrin Neudolt of Austria 21-12, 21-9 in the quarterfinals.

Malvika Bansod won 11 points in succession in the quarterfinals

Malvika Bansod had an easy first game against Neudolt. She then turned on the style in the second game. The Nagpur-based teenager notched up eleven straight points to take a commanding 11-0 lead at the mid-game interval.

Although Malvika then conceded nine points, she was in control of proceedings against the Austrian. Malvika Bansod had made light work of local girl Vilte Paulauskaite 21-6, 21-10 in the first round on Friday.

Malvika Bansod (Image courtesy: Sportstar)

Coach Sanjay Mishra expressed his satisfaction with his ward's performance and expects her to go further on the final day of competition.

"Malvika should now maintain her tempo. She will have to be more prepared for the semifinal. If she plays her normal game then she certainly has a chance to make it to the final."

Malvika Bansod will now clash with unseeded Anna Tatranova of France in the semi-final on Sunday morning. The final is slated for later in the evening.

In May, Malvika reached the quarterfinals at the Austrian Open before losing in three games to top seed Clara Azurmendi. In a closely contested match, Malvika lost the third game 19-21 to her Spanish opponent, who went on to win the tournament.