PV Sindhu Survives Unnati Hooda Test, Sets Up Blockbuster Clash Against Chen Yufei at China Open

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu overcame a spirited challenge from rising Indian star Unnati Hooda to book her place in the Round of 16 at the China Open Super 1000 in Changzhou on Wednesday.

Sindhu defeated her younger compatriot 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a contest that showcased both the promise of India's next generation and the experience of one of the country's greatest badminton players. After being comprehensively outplayed in the second game, the World No. 8 responded in emphatic fashion, producing a dominant decider to seal victory and continue her impressive run of form following last week's Japan Open title.

The win sets up a mouth-watering pre-quarterfinal clash against fourth seed Chen Yufei, one of the favourites for the title and a player Sindhu has shared many memorable battles with over the years.

The all-Indian contest began with Sindhu asserting her authority. Using her trademark attacking clears and steep smashes, the experienced shuttler dictated the pace of the opening game. She kept Hooda pinned deep in the court while mixing her attack with clever variations in pace, forcing the teenager into several errors.

Although Hooda produced flashes of brilliance, Sindhu's superior control during the longer rallies helped her maintain the advantage. The former world champion comfortably wrapped up the first game 21-14, appearing well on course for a straightforward victory.

However, the second game told a completely different story. Rather than being intimidated by Sindhu's reputation, Hooda came out with renewed confidence, increasing the pace of her attack and taking control of the net exchanges. Her aggressive approach unsettled Sindhu, who began committing a series of unforced errors. Hooda capitalised brilliantly, refusing to allow the experienced Indian any rhythm.

The teenager raced through the second game 21-9, stunning spectators and forcing the match into a deciding game.

The turnaround highlighted why Hooda is regarded as one of India's brightest young prospects. Her fearless approach against one of the sport's biggest names demonstrated both her confidence and growing maturity on the international circuit.

Champions are often defined by their response under pressure. After losing the second game convincingly, Sindhu produced exactly the reaction expected from a player with multiple Olympic medals and a World Championship title. She immediately reduced her error count, regained control of the rallies and began dictating play from the backcourt once again.

Instead of allowing Hooda to attack first, Sindhu patiently constructed points, moving her opponent from corner to corner before finishing rallies with decisive winners. The tactical adjustment completely shifted the momentum. Hooda struggled to replicate the intensity that had brought her success in the second game, while Sindhu looked increasingly confident with every rally.

The final game became a one-sided affair as the former world champion powered to a 21-10 victory, sealing her place in the Round of 16.

The victory carried additional significance for Sindhu. The experienced Indian had suffered a defeat to Hooda at the China Open last year, making Wednesday's win a satisfying response against one of the country's emerging stars. Coming into the tournament fresh from lifting the Japan Open 2026 title, Sindhu has now extended her winning momentum and reinforced her status as one of the contenders at this week's Super 1000 event.

While the match exposed areas that require improvement, particularly during the second game, it also demonstrated Sindhu's ability to raise her level when the pressure increases.

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Among the highlights of the contest was an extraordinary rally involving nearly 40 shots, with both players displaying remarkable defensive skills and court coverage. The exhausting exchange eventually ended with Hooda making an error after Sindhu's relentless retrieval forced the youngster into attempting a difficult winner. Hooda immediately challenged the call, believing the shuttle had landed outside the court.

However, unlike the main showcourts, Court 3 was not equipped with a review system, meaning the umpire's decision stood.

The rally perfectly summed up the quality of the contest, with both players showcasing exceptional athleticism despite the unfortunate absence of instant review technology at one of badminton's premier tournaments.

Sindhu's reward is one of the toughest assignments possible. She will next face China's Chen Yufei, the tournament's fourth seed and one of the most consistent performers on the BWF World Tour. Playing against Chen in front of a home crowd will present a significant challenge, but Sindhu will take confidence from her recent performances and extensive experience against the Chinese star.

Victory would move her into the quarterfinals, where she could potentially face either Busanan Ongbamrungphan or Putri Kusuma Wardani. The outcome of the Chen Yufei match also carries ranking implications. Currently ranked World No. 8, Sindhu's seeding for the upcoming World Championships could be affected depending on results this week. A deep run in Changzhou would strengthen her position and improve her chances of securing a favourable draw at the season's biggest event.

Sindhu's victory added to an encouraging week for Indian badminton, following Ayush Shetty's impressive upset over World No. 11 Alwi Farhan to reach the Round of 16 in the men's singles. With two Indians progressing in the singles draw at one of the sport's biggest tournaments, there is renewed optimism about India's prospects in Changzhou.

For Sindhu, the opening-round challenge served as an important reminder that every match at the Super 1000 level demands complete concentration. After weathering Hooda's second-game storm, she responded with the authority expected of a champion.

Now, an even bigger test awaits.

Against Chen Yufei, Sindhu will need to produce one of her best performances of the season. Carrying the confidence of her Japan Open triumph and another hard-earned victory in China, the Indian star will believe she has the experience, form and resilience to challenge one of the tournament favourites and continue her quest for another prestigious BWF Super 1000 title.