NewzVille Sports Desk
Indian teenager Unnati Hooda defeated her senior compatriot Pusarla V Sindhu to make the quarterfinals of the VICTOR China Open 2025.
It was a rare defeat for Sindhu to an Indian player in big stage particularly after taken over the position from Saina Nehwal.
Hooda won the first set showing full domination. But Sindhu fought back to win the second and stretched the match for the decider.
The 17-year-old Hooda wasn’t deflated despite losing a close second game, and continued to dominate her opponent at the net and won the match.
Hooda will next face Akane Yamaguchi, who made it comfortably past Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
After the match Sindhu said, “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.”
Hooda said, “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.”
