Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the China Open 2025 semifinals with a dominant win, while teenage sensation Unnati Hooda’s dream run ended in the quarters. India’s singles campaign concludes, but all eyes now turn to Satwik-Chirag’s high-stakes clash with World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
Indian badminton fans had reasons to both cheer and sigh on Friday at the China Open 2025. While the dynamic men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured a resounding quarterfinal victory to march into the semifinals, rising teenage star Unnati Hooda’s sensational journey came to an end in the women’s singles competition.
Satwik-Chirag Shine Yet Again
Satwik and Chirag, currently ranked World No. 3 in men’s doubles, put on a clinical performance against Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi. The Indian pair sealed a straight-games win, 21-18, 21-14, in just 40 minutes, continuing their consistent run on the global stage.
From the start, Satwik and Chirag set a brisk pace, showing off their signature aggressive style and razor-sharp reflexes at the net. Though the Malaysians made a brief resurgence in the first game to narrow the gap, the Indians held their nerves to take it 21-18.
The second game was more tightly contested until the scoreboard read 15-14. Then, the Indian pair shifted gears dramatically, winning six consecutive points and wrapping up the match in style. This dominant performance not only put them in their fourth semifinal of the season but also improved their head-to-head record against the Malaysian pair to 7-3.
Their next challenge is a blockbuster semifinal against the World No. 2 pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik—also from Malaysia. The match promises to be a high-octane encounter, as both teams are known for their speed, coordination, and strategic depth.
Unnati Hooda’s Dream Run Ends
While Satwik and Chirag soared higher, it was the end of a fairy-tale journey for 17-year-old Unnati Hooda in the women’s singles. The young Indian, who had already made headlines by defeating two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu in the pre-quarterfinals, couldn’t replicate her heroics against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.
Yamaguchi, the World No. 4 and a seasoned competitor, outplayed Unnati 21-16, 21-12 in a brisk 33-minute contest. The Japanese shuttler’s combination of relentless pace, tight net play, and deep smashes proved too much for the teenager, despite Hooda’s determination and athleticism.
In the first game, Unnati matched Yamaguchi point-for-point in the early exchanges. However, a flurry of quick points by the Japanese turned the tide, and she never looked back. The second game followed a similar script, with Unnati trying to stay in the contest but eventually being overwhelmed by Yamaguchi’s precision and stamina.
Despite the loss, Unnati’s China Open campaign will be remembered as a breakthrough moment in her young career. Her upset over Sindhu has already put her on the radar as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects.
India’s Hope Now Rest on Satwik-Chirag
With Unnati’s exit, India’s singles campaign at the China Open 2025 has concluded. However, the nation still has strong hopes riding on Satwik and Chirag. Their form, experience, and hunger for a major title make them serious contenders to go all the way in the tournament.
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As the semifinals approach, Indian fans will be eagerly awaiting another stellar performance from the duo who have become flagbearers of Indian men’s doubles in recent years.
