Indian teenager Unnati Hooda conjured up the sensational defeat of her senior compatriot Pusarla V Sindhu to make the quarterfinals of the VICTOR China Open 2025.

For Pusarla, it was a rare defeat to another Indian player, for she has been the top Indian player since taking over from Saina Nehwal.

Hooda dominated the opening game and very nearly closed it out in two, but Pusarla showed great resolve at the end of the second game to snatch it from her young compatriot’s hands. All through, Hooda troubled her with her impeccable touch at the net, and her willingness to go for the lines on her attacking shots. The 17-year-old wasn’t deflated despite losing a close second game, and continued to dominate her opponent at the net.

The quarterfinal is her best performance at the upper end of the HSBC BWF World Tour; earlier this year, she made the semifinals of the YONEX Taipei Open, a Super 300 event.

Hooda will next face Akane Yamaguchi, who made it comfortably past Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

“It was a bit hard to control the shuttle,” said Pusarla. “In the third game she took a lead and maintained that. She had some lucky points with some net cords on crucial points. It’s good for her, she’s done well, and I wish her all the best. It’s good that Indian badminton is picking up, it’s time for change, and many girls like her are coming up and that’s a good sign.”

“It was a tough match, so I’m really happy and looking forward to the next one,” said Hooda. “It was difficult playing against her. From the first point it was tiring. I’m playing the China Open for the first time and I’m happy. Reaching the semifinals in Taipei boosted my confidence, and I had some good matches there.

“In the second game I wasted my two challenges, I didn’t have any challenge and it was frustrating. She took control and dominated. I kept my patience in the third, and when the sides changed, I was ready to play long rallies.

“I was surprised to beat her, I didn’t expect to win today. I came thinking I would give my all. Winning against her is surprising and I’m happy.”

Antonsen Prevails in Thriller

While there were several close matches, Anders Antonsen’s three-game win over Lin Chun-Yi stood out. The two were neck-and-neck from start until the very end; Antonsen edged ahead at the death with two match points, only for Lin to draw level. Eventually the Dane converted his third match point, 21-19 20-22 22-20 in a marathon 89 minutes.

Other Highlights

» After beating Lu Guang Zu, Lee Chia Hao ran into another Chinese opponent, Wang Zheng Xing. The match went down the wire, with Lee saving three match points in the second and Wang three in the third, before the Chinese wrapped it up 23-21.

» Japan Open runners-up Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paesampran had an early exit after three straight finals, crashing to Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui in straight games.

» Popov brothers Toma Junior and Christo had a perfect day in singles, with older brother Toma outplaying Brian Yang 21-17 21-16 and Christo pulling off an impressive win under difficult conditions over Jonatan Christie, 21-16 in the third. However, in their doubles, they lasted just 35 minutes against second seeds Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, 21-17 21-18.

What They Said

“Compared to yesterday, It was for me difficult with the conditions. Being on the bad side was terrible today. We can feel it – the first two games were one-way. Third game was tricky… the key was to get as many points as possible from the good side, and then manage as good as you can from the bad side.” – Christo Popov

“With each passing day we are feeling better. There’s still a long way to go. I wouldn’t say we are at our best just yet. But we are happy with the way we are playing.” – Chirag Shetty

“I was on holiday after Indonesia (Open). I went to Bulgaria to see my grandparents for four-five days, then I went to Denmark with Mia’s (Blichfeltd) family to spend the weekend. It’s nice to reset. Ten days is not enough.” – Toma Junior Popov

“I hadn’t trained much before this week, so considering that, it a decent performance, but I’m frustrated that I could’ve played better in the third game. It went away quickly – I should’ve made it a bit lengthier.” – HS Prannoy

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