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Key Points

Unnati Hooda pulled off a major upset by defeating veteran PV Sindhu in a gripping match at the China Open. The 17-year-old showcased composure under pressure to secure a quarterfinal spot. Meanwhile, Satwik-Chirag continued their strong run in Men's Doubles. Hooda now prepares to face Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the next round.

Key Points: Teen Unnati Hooda stuns PV Sindhu in China Open thriller

  • Unnati Hooda triumphs over PV Sindhu in three thrilling games
  • Teenager dominates decider 21-13 after tight second-set loss
  • Satwik-Chirag advance in Men's Doubles with straight-game win
  • Hooda to face Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in quarterfinals
2 min read

Unnati Hooda edges compatriot PV Sindhu in China Open 2025 round-of-16 thriller

Rising star Unnati Hooda defeats Olympic medalist PV Sindhu in an intense all-Indian clash at China Open 2025, advancing to quarterfinals.

"Playing against PV Sindhu is always a challenge... I managed to stay focused and composed under pressure. – Unnati Hooda"

Changzhou, July 24

In a high-octane all-Indian clash, 17-year-old Unnati Hooda delivered a sensational performance to overcome two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and book her place in the Women's Singles quarterfinals at the China Open 2025 on Thursday, according to a release from BAI.

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.

Hooda will now face World No. 4 and third seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the quarterfinals. In Men's Doubles, Satwik-Chirag will take on Malaysia's Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in their quarterfinal clash.

"Playing against PV Sindhu is always a challenge, and today's match was no exception. The rallies were long and grueling, but I managed to stay focused and composed under pressure. I'm happy of the way I gave it my all and won. It was a great test for me, and I'm looking forward to the next one," Unnati Hooda, said after her win over PV Sindhu, in the China Open.

Earlier on Wednesday, Unnati Hooda 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

S
Shreya B
While I'm happy for Unnati, I feel Sindhu should have won this. She's our most experienced player and we need her in top form for Olympics next year. Hope this loss doesn't affect her confidence.
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Aman W
Satwik-Chirag are making us proud too! Their consistency is amazing. Hope they bring home the China Open title this time. Indian badminton is shining bright ✨
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Priya S
Unnati's footwork was just brilliant! At just 17, she's showing maturity beyond her years. But let's not forget Sindhu's contribution - she's the one who paved the way for our girls in badminton. Both are champions!
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Varun X
The depth in Indian badminton is incredible now. 10 years back we had just 1-2 players at this level. Now we have multiple contenders in every category. Kudos to Gopichand and other coaches!
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Nisha Z
Yamaguchi next will be tough, but if Unnati can beat Sindhu, she can beat anyone! Just hope our media doesn't put too much pressure on her now. Let her grow at her own pace.

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