PV Sindhu and Anmol Kharb Set Up All-Indian Semifinal at HYLO Open 2026, Assuring India a Finalist

India will have a finalist in the women's singles at the HYLO Open 2026 after PV Sindhu and Anmol Kharb booked their places in the semifinals with contrasting quarterfinal victories in Saarbrücken, Germany.

Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu produced a commanding straight-games performance against Denmark's Amalie Nissen Schulz, winning 21-12, 21-10. Anmol, meanwhile, delivered one of the biggest results of her campaign, defeating compatriot and sixth seed Unnati Hooda 21-17, 18-21, 21-16 in a three-game battle.

The results set up an intriguing all-Indian semifinal between Sindhu and Anmol, guaranteeing that an Indian woman will compete in the tournament's final. It is also an opportunity for India to end its wait for a women's singles title at the HYLO Open.

With Lakshya Sen also reaching the men's singles semifinals, India has three representatives in the last four of the BWF Super 500 tournament.

Sindhu entered her quarterfinal against world No. 46 Amalie Nissen Schulz as the higher-ranked player, sitting at No. 8 in the world rankings. She made that difference count with a controlled and emphatic performance.

The Indian dictated the rallies from the outset, combining her attacking power with precise shot placement to keep the Danish player under pressure. Sindhu did not allow Schulz to establish any sustained rhythm and moved through the opening game 21-12.

The second game was even more convincing. Sindhu continued to control the pace, using her attacking strokes to create openings and finish rallies efficiently. Schulz struggled to find answers as the Indian extended her advantage and closed out the match 21-10.

The straight-games victory underlined Sindhu's ability to impose herself against an opponent ranked outside the top tier. More importantly, she did so without being dragged into a prolonged contest, preserving energy ahead of a demanding semifinal.

For the former world champion, the performance offers an encouraging platform as she looks to convert her campaign into a title challenge.

Anmol produces a significant upset against Unnati Hooda

Anmol Kharb's route to the semifinal was considerably more demanding. The young Indian faced compatriot Unnati Hooda, the sixth seed and world No. 21, in an all-Indian quarterfinal. Anmol, ranked No. 53, had to negotiate a closely contested three-game encounter before securing a 21-17, 18-21, 21-16 victory.

Anmol took the opening game 21-17, putting herself in a strong position. However, Unnati responded in the second, raising her level to win it 21-18 and force a decider. With the semifinal place on the line, Anmol held her nerve in the third game. She maintained her challenge under pressure and eventually pulled away to take the decider 21-16.

The victory represents an important result for Anmol, who has now reached the last four of a BWF Super 500 event after defeating a significantly higher-ranked opponent. It also adds to the growing attention around India's emerging women's singles players.

The win has another ranking significance. Anmol has re-entered the world top 50, taking India's representation in the women's singles top 50 to nine players.

The semifinal between Sindhu and Anmol will bring together two different stages of Indian badminton.

Sindhu arrives with the experience of competing and winning at the highest level, including two Olympic medals and a world championship title. Her quarterfinal performance demonstrated the attacking quality and court control that have made her one of India's most accomplished badminton players.

Anmol, on the other hand, will enter the contest with the confidence of a significant upset. Beating the sixth seed in a three-game encounter will provide belief, but facing Sindhu presents a different level of challenge.

The two Indians have met once previously, with Sindhu leading their head-to-head record 1-0. Anmol will be looking to change that record, while Sindhu will aim to use her experience to secure a place in the final. The stakes are particularly high because the winner will not only advance to the title match but also have the opportunity to become the first Indian dto win the HYLO Open women's singles title.

Three Indians in the last four

India's strong quarterfinal results extend beyond the women's singles.

Lakshya Sen fought back from a game down to defeat Finland's Kalle Koljonen 14-21, 21-17, 21-13. The Indian will face France's Toma Junior Popov in the men's singles semifinal. The other men's semifinal will feature Jonatan Christie against Anders Antonsen.

India therefore has three players in the semifinals across the men's and women's singles events, making it an encouraging tournament for the country's badminton contingent. The immediate spotlight, however, will be on the all-Indian women's singles clash. Sindhu's experience and Anmol's growing confidence promise a compelling contest, with a place in the final and a chance to make history at stake.

Whatever the outcome, India is assured of having a women's singles finalist in Saarbrücken. The next question is whether Sindhu or Anmol will take the opportunity to move one step closer to the HYLO Open title.