Teenage sensation Unnati Hooda stunned double Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu in a fiercely contested three-set match, winning 21-16, 19-21, 21-13 to book her spot in the quarterfinals of the China Open on Thursday. The 17-year-old now faces third-seeded Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in what promises to be another tough challenge.

Sindhu, speaking after the match, acknowledged the competitiveness of the encounter but suggested that luck had a role to play in the final outcome. “She [Unnati] took a lead in the third game and maintained that. It was too late to cover that,” Sindhu reflected. “Overall, there were good rallies and she was lucky.”

The match, which lasted an intense one hour and 13 minutes, saw momentum swing between the two players. After losing the first set, Sindhu bounced back strongly in the second, only to falter in the decisive third. She noted the tricky court conditions that made shuttle control difficult. “Both ends had their challenges. It was hard to control the shuttle. She had some lucky points, where in crucial moments she hit the net cords,” Sindhu added.

Despite her disappointment, the former World Champion was gracious in defeat and praised the rising talent of her young compatriot. “She [Unnati] has done well for herself. She is coming up [the ranks] and I wish her all the very best,” Sindhu said. “Indian badminton is picking up and doing well and many more girls like her is coming up. It’s a good sign.”

For Unnati Hooda, this victory marks a major milestone in her career and could be a defining moment as she continues her rise in international badminton. Facing a seasoned player like Sindhu and emerging victorious not only demonstrates her talent but also her composure under pressure.

As Indian badminton continues to evolve, matches like these reflect the depth and promise within the country’s ranks. While Sindhu remains a pillar of experience and excellence, the emergence of players like Unnati Hooda signals a healthy and competitive future for the sport in India.