Can Unnati Hooda Upset PV Sindhu at the China Open?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match at the China Open 2025, Unnati Hooda stunned the badminton world by defeating veteran player Kirsty Gilmour. This sets the stage for an exciting Round-of-16 clash against PV Sindhu. Will the young star continue her impressive run?
Key Takeaways
- Unnati Hooda showcased exceptional talent by defeating Kirsty Gilmour.
- She will face PV Sindhu next, marking a significant clash.
- Hooda's victory is a highlight of her young career.
- Sindhu continues to demonstrate her expertise in crucial matches.
- Indian badminton is witnessing a new generation of skilled players.
Changzhou, July 23 (NationPress) India's emerging badminton sensation Unnati Hooda delivered a remarkable performance, defeating seasoned Scottish player Kirsty Gilmour in straight sets at the China Open 2025. This victory paves the way for an exciting Round-of-16 encounter against India's star player PV Sindhu.
The 17-year-old showed incredible poise and skill, winning with scores of 21-11, 21-16 in a swift 36 minutes, marking a significant milestone in her career on the BWF World Tour.
From the beginning, Unnati exhibited sharp focus and confidence, applying consistent pressure on Gilmour through precise net shots and powerful smashes. Her impressive control over the pace of the game and her ability to induce errors from the veteran player stood out. Unnati cruised through the first game, limiting Gilmour's opportunities to regroup. The second game was more competitive, but Unnati maintained her composure and concluded the match with a level of maturity that belied her age.
This victory not only propels Unnati into the pre-quarterfinals of a Super 1000 event but also grants her a rare opportunity to challenge PV Sindhu—India's most celebrated female shuttler—in what promises to be an enthralling showdown.
Earlier on the same day, two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu overcame Japan's sixth seed Tomoka Miyazaki with scores of 21-15, 8-21, 21-17 to progress to the next round. Sindhu began strongly, leveraging her experience to dominate the opening game, but Miyazaki made a strong comeback in the second. In the deciding game, Sindhu quickly established a lead and managed to fend off a late surge from the young player, securing victory after 62 minutes. This match marked Sindhu's first triumph over Miyazaki, who had previously defeated her at the Swiss Open last year.
In men's doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the Round-of-16 with a decisive 21-13, 21-9 victory against Japan's Kenya Mitsuhashi and Hiroki Okamura. However, it was a disappointing day for the women's doubles pair Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda, who fell to a higher-ranked duo from Hong Kong.
Point of View
It is imperative to celebrate the rise of young talent like Unnati Hooda, who is shaping the future of Indian badminton. Her triumph over a seasoned player demonstrates the strength and depth of our country's sporting talent. We stand with our athletes, encouraging them to push boundaries and aim for greatness on the international stage.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unnati Hooda?
Unnati Hooda is a 17-year-old Indian badminton player known for her remarkable skills and rising prominence on the BWF World Tour.
What was the score of Unnati Hooda's match against Kirsty Gilmour?
Unnati Hooda won the match against Kirsty Gilmour with scores of 21-11, 21-16.
Who will Unnati Hooda face next?
Unnati Hooda will face India's star player PV Sindhu in the Round-of-16 at the China Open 2025.
What is the significance of this match for Unnati Hooda?
This match is significant as it marks Unnati's advancement to the pre-quarterfinals of a Super 1000 event, showcasing her potential on a global stage.
How did PV Sindhu perform in her match?
PV Sindhu won her match against Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki with scores of 21-15, 8-21, 21-17.
