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India's French Open Exit: Unnati Hooda's Brave Battle Ends Campaign

India's campaign at the French Open wrapped up in the second round with Unnati Hooda's defeat. The 18-year-old shuttler lost to world number two Wang Zhiyi in straight games. All Indian doubles teams also crashed out in their respective second-round matches. This marks the end of India's challenge at the prestigious badminton tournament.

Key Points: Unnati Hooda Defeat Ends India's French Open Campaign

  • Unnati Hooda was India's only singles shuttler to reach second round
  • World No. 35 lost to China's second-ranked Wang in straight games
  • Mixed doubles pair Kapoor-Gadde fell to world bronze medalists
  • Women's doubles team Selvam-Singhi defeated by Korean world No. 3
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French Open: India's campaign wraps up in second round with shuttler Unnati Hooda's defeat

India's French Open campaign concludes as Unnati Hooda falls to world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi, with all doubles teams also eliminated in second round matches.

"Wang won 11 consecutive points on the trot to take the fixture beyond the Indian youngster's grasp - Match Report"

Brittany, October 24

India's campaign at the French Open concluded in the second round, with Unnati Hooda and the doubles teams of Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Gadde and Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi crashing out with bitter defeats.

The 18-year-old rising sensation Unnati was the sole Indian singles shuttler to go past the first round. The 18-year-old went down to Wang Zhiyi of the People's Republic of China by 21-14, 21-11 at the Glaz Arena. The 35th-ranked women's shuttler was outclassed by world number two Wang in straight games in a fixture that lasted for just 39 minutes.

She overcame Letshanaa Karupathevan of Malaysia in the first round and got off to a decent start against her Chinese opponent. Unnati raced to a 4-3 lead early on in the first game. However, Wang upped the ante and comfortably pocketed the opener.

Unnati tried to stage a comeback in the second and claimed the first two points. However, Wang won 11 consecutive points on the trot to take the fixture beyond the Indian youngster's grasp.

Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles category, India's campaign fizzled out with Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde bowing out. While squaring off against the World Championships bronze medallists, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue, the Indian pair lost 21-23, 8-21, 17-21 in one hour and 15 minutes.

In the women's doubles category, India's Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi were ousted by world number three Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Yong of South Korea by 21-7, 21-9 in 34 minutes.

Earlier in the tournament, India's popular men's doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, suffered a shocking first-round ouster. While facing the unseeded Indonesian pair of Rahmat Hidayat and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Satwik and Chirag went down in 42 minutes, 21-18, 22-20.

In the men's singles category, Lakshya Sen suffered an early exit from the French Open 2025 badminton tournament after losing in straight games to Ireland's Nhat Nguyen in the opening round.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Disappointing to see Satwik-Chirag lose in first round. They were our biggest hope after their recent successes. Need to work on consistency in big tournaments.
A
Anjali F
The doubles teams need more international exposure. Getting thrashed 21-7, 21-9 shows the gap between our players and world's best. BAI should focus on better training programs.
D
David E
Watching from UK - Unnati has amazing potential! At 18, competing against world #2 is impressive. She'll learn from this experience and come back stronger.
K
Karthik V
Lakshya Sen's early exit is concerning. He was in good form recently. Hope he bounces back soon for the upcoming tournaments.
S
Sarah B
Mixed doubles pair put up a good fight in the first game (23-21). Shows they can compete at this level. Just need to maintain that intensity throughout the match.

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