The VICTOR China Open 2025 witnessed a major shake-up as Indian teenager Unnati Hooda produced a stunning upset against her senior compatriot Pusarla V. Sindhu, advancing to the quarterfinals in style.
Hooda’s Breakthrough Moment
For Sindhu, who has long stood as India’s top women’s singles player since taking over from Saina Nehwal, the loss was a rare one to a fellow Indian. Hooda, just 17, displayed composure beyond her years — mixing tight net play with bold attacking shots that consistently pushed Sindhu out of position.
The young star dominated the opening game and nearly closed it in two straight, but Sindhu fought back to level the match. Still, Hooda maintained her confidence, continuing to pressure her opponent at the net and showing sharp tactical awareness in the decider.
The result marks Hooda’s best performance yet on the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 level, following her semifinal run at the YONEX Taipei Open (Super 300) earlier this year. She now faces Akane Yamaguchi, who cruised past Busanan Ongbamrungphan in her own match.
“It was a bit hard to control the shuttle,” Sindhu said afterward. “She played well and took her chances. It’s good for Indian badminton — more young girls like her are coming up, and that’s a great sign.”
Hooda, visibly elated, shared: “It was tough and tiring from the first point. I didn’t expect to win today. I just wanted to give my best. I’m so happy — this win boosts my confidence and shows that I can compete with the best.”
Antonsen Wins Epic Battle Against Lin Chun-Yi
In one of the most gripping matches of the day, Anders Antonsen edged past Lin Chun-Yi in a three-game thriller that lasted 89 minutes. Both players traded leads throughout, with Antonsen finally sealing victory on his third match point, 21–19, 20–22, 22–20.
Other Highlights from China Open 2025
• Lee Chia Hao survived a marathon battle with Wang Zheng Xing, saving multiple match points before falling just short as Wang closed it 23–21 in the decider.
• Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran, runners-up at the Japan Open, faced an early exit after losing in straight games to Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui.
• The Popov brothers, Toma Junior and Christo, both enjoyed singles success — Toma outplayed Brian Yang 21–17, 21–16, while Christo stunned Jonatan Christie in a three-game battle. However, their run in men’s doubles ended quickly, falling to second seeds Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik 21–17, 21–18.
A New Generation Rising
Unnati Hooda’s victory signals the rise of a new wave in Indian badminton, where young talents are increasingly challenging the established elite. As the China Open 2025 moves into its final stages, fans can expect more fireworks, unpredictable results, and the continued emergence of the sport’s next generation of stars.
