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Key Points

Unnati Hooda's dream run at the China Open ended in the quarterfinals against former world champion Akane Yamaguchi. The 17-year-old made history by becoming only the fourth Indian woman to reach a Super 1000 quarterfinal. Her campaign included a stunning upset over two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu. Despite the loss, Hooda's fearless performance signals a bright future for Indian badminton.

Key Points: Unnati Hooda Falls to Akane Yamaguchi in China Open Quarterfinals

  • Unnati Hooda reaches first BWF Super 1000 quarterfinals at 17
  • Defeats Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in thrilling three-game clash
  • Falls to world No. 4 Akane Yamaguchi in straight sets
  • Joins elite list of Indian women in Super 1000 quarterfinals
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China Open: Unnati's campaign ends in quarterfinal loss to Yamahuchi

17-year-old Unnati Hooda's historic China Open run ends against former world champion Akane Yamaguchi after stunning PV Sindhu.

"Unnati displayed remarkable play, sealing the contest 21-13 to advance to the quarterfinals. – BAI Media"

Changzhou, July 25

Young Indian shuttler Unnati Hooda's campaign in the ongoing China Open came to an end with a defeat to world number four and former world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals on Friday, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) Media said in a release.

During the final eight clash, Unnati went down to Akane by 16-21, 12-21. Playing in her very first BWF Super 1000 event, the young 17-year-old made headlines with her fearless performances.

According to the release, she became only the fourth Indian women's singles shuttler to ever reach the quarterfinals of a BWF Super 1000 event.

Unnati delivered a sensational performance to overcome two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and book her place in the women's singles quarterfinals on Thursday.

The match was a showcase of India's present and future in badminton, with the rising star Hooda taking on the seasoned champion Sindhu. Hooda started strong, claiming the opening game 21-16, but Sindhu struck back in the second, edging it 21-19 in a tense finish. In the decider, Hooda displayed remarkable play, sealing the contest 21-13 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Earlier on Wednesday, Unnati delivered a commanding performance to outplay experienced Scottish shuttler Kirsty Gilmour 21-11, 21-16 in just 36 minutes.

India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, continued their winning momentum at the China Open 2025, a BWF Super 1000 tournament, to book a place in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The World No. 12 duo delivered another composed performance, edging past Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 21-19, 21-19 in straight games, underlining their strong title aspirations.In men's singles, HS Prannoy played against World No. 6 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei but concluded his campaign after a hard-fought encounter.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
While I'm proud of Unnati's achievement, I wish BAI would provide better support to young players. The gap between our top players and next gen is still too big. More exposure tournaments needed!
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Ananya R
Unnati's win over Sindhu was epic! But let's not put too much pressure on her. She's still learning. Yamaguchi is world class player after all. Baby steps 👶🏸
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Karthik V
Satwik-Chirag continuing their good form is the real positive! Men's doubles might give us our next Olympic medal. Unnati's performance is just the icing on cake 🎂
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Priya S
As a badminton coach, I'm impressed by Unnati's court coverage and net play. But she needs to work on her smashes. Against top players like Yamaguchi, you need killer smashes!
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Vikram M
Remember when Saina and Sindhu burst onto scene? Unnati gives me same vibes. 2028 Olympics dark horse for sure! Just needs proper guidance and nutrition support.

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