Unnati stuns Sindhu at China Open, advances to next round

Teen star Unnati Hooda upset double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in the China Open pre-quarterfinals, crediting her patience, confidence from past matches, and never-give-up mindset for the stunning victory

Hyderabad: Teenage sensation Unnati Hooda, who shocked double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in the pre-quarterfinals of the China Open Badminton Championship on Thursday, said she was really happy and is now looking forward to her next match.

Speaking to the media after the victory, Unnati said it was difficult to play against Sindhu, as the champion shuttler was giving her all in the match.

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“I also gave my all, so even from the first point, it was a very tiring match. This is my first time playing in the China Open,” she told BAI Media.

“Reaching the semifinals in Chinese Taipei boosted my confidence. I had several good matches there, and I played well. So it helped here too—I’ve played nicely so far,” she added.

Looking back on a key moment in the match, Unnati said, “I actually wasted my two Hawkeye challenges. I don’t remember the exact score, but maybe it was around 17-18. I was leading by a point, and it was totally out.”

“I didn’t have any challenges left. That was a little frustrating. After that, she [Sindhu] took control of the shuttle and dominated the second game,” she explained.

“I tried my best but couldn’t win the second game. However, I kept my patience in the third. When the side changed, I was ready to play long rallies and long matches from the start of the third game.”

“I didn’t expect that I would win today. But I came with the mindset that I would give it my all, whatever the result.”

“So, winning against her is surprising for me too. But I’m happy I could win. It was a really good match. I think the biggest lesson for me today is: we have to keep fighting till the last shuttle,” she said.