Will Unnati Hooda Shine at the French Open Badminton?
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Synopsis
Unnati Hooda continues to impress as she advances to the pre-quarters of the French Open Super 750 tournament. In a thrilling comeback, the 18-year-old defeated Malaysia's Letshanaa Karupathevan. Meanwhile, fellow Indian Ayush Shetty faced an early exit. Discover the highlights and challenges faced by Indian players at this prestigious event.
Key Takeaways
- Unnati Hooda's determination led her to a remarkable comeback victory.
- Ayush Shetty's early exit highlights the challenges faced by Indian players.
- The competition showcases the growing talent in Indian badminton.
- Other Indian players also faced tough matches, demonstrating the intensity of the tournament.
- Upcoming matches for Indian doubles teams are highly anticipated.
Paris, Oct 22 (NationPress) The emerging Indian badminton star Unnati Hooda has shown her mettle on the international stage by moving into the pre-quarterfinals at the French Open Super 750 tournament held in Cesson-Sevigne on Wednesday. The 18-year-old showcased her determination and skill by overcoming Malaysia's Letshanaa Karupathevan with a score of 11-21, 21-13, 21-16 in her first match of the women's singles category.
After losing the initial game, Hooda quickly regained her focus, exhibiting remarkable finesse and confidence throughout the rallies. She took charge in the subsequent two games, employing a blend of sharp net play and accurate smashes, successfully securing her spot in the round of 16.
This young talent, recognized as one of India's rising stars, aims to sustain her momentum as the tournament progresses.
In stark contrast, Ayush Shetty faced an unfortunate early exit in his men's singles debut. Despite a valiant effort, he lost 19-21, 19-21 to Japan's seasoned player Koki Watanabe in a tightly contested match. Shetty displayed moments of brilliance but was unable to clinch the pivotal points in either game.
Among other Indian contenders in the women's singles, Anupama Upadhyaya and Anmol Kharb were eliminated in the first round. Anupama fell 15-21, 11-21 to China's Han Yue, while Kharb was outmatched 15-21, 9-21 by South Korea's world No. 1, An Se-young.
Earlier on Tuesday, India's Lakshya Sen suffered a disappointing early defeat, losing in straight games to Ireland's Nhat Nguyen in the men's singles opening round. The World No. 16 struggled for rhythm throughout the match, losing 7-21, 16-21 to the 29th-ranked player who sought revenge for his previous loss at the Denmark Open just a week prior.
Later today, India's premier men's doubles team, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, are set to kick off their campaign. The duo will face Indonesia's Rahmat Hidayat and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in their round-of-32 match, aiming for a deep run in the tournament.
Point of View
It is crucial to support our athletes and celebrate their achievements while also acknowledging the challenges they face. Unnati Hooda's progress is a testament to India's growing prowess in badminton, while the setbacks experienced by our other players remind us of the fierce competition on the global stage.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unnati Hooda?
Unnati Hooda is an 18-year-old Indian badminton player who is making her mark in international tournaments, currently competing in the French Open Super 750.
What was the outcome of Unnati Hooda's match?
Unnati Hooda won her opening match against Malaysia's Letshanaa Karupathevan with a score of 11-21, 21-13, 21-16.
Did Ayush Shetty win his match?
No, Ayush Shetty lost his first-round match against Japan's Koki Watanabe with a score of 19-21, 19-21.
What other Indian players participated?
Other Indian players like Anupama Upadhyaya and Anmol Kharb also competed but were eliminated in the first round.
When will Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy play?
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are scheduled to begin their campaign later today in the men's doubles event.
