PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda and Anmol Kharb Power India to Three Women’s Singles Quarterfinals at HYLO Open

India enjoyed an impressive day in the women’s singles at the HYLO Open 2026, with PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda and Anmol Kharb advancing to the quarterfinals of the Super 500 badminton tournament in Germany. 

The three victories ensured that India will have a strong presence in the last eight, while Unnati and Anmol will face each other in an all-Indian quarterfinal, guaranteeing the country a semifinalist.

The standout result came from 19-year-old Anmol Kharb, who produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Denmark’s world No. 12 Line Christophersen 11-21, 21-18, 25-23. Unnati also delivered a composed performance to beat Denmark’s Frederikke Østergaard 21-11, 21-19.

Second seed PV Sindhu completed the Indian trio’s progression with a dominant 21-9, 21-6 victory over France’s Rosy Oktavia Pancasari in just 26 minutes. With three Indian women reaching the quarterfinals, the tournament has developed into a promising campaign for the country’s singles contingent.

Sindhu continued her strong run of form with a comprehensive straight-games victory over Pancasari. The second-seeded Indian controlled the Round of 16 encounter from the beginning, winning 21-9, 21-6 to book her place in the last eight.

Coming into the tournament after finishing runner-up at the French Open, Sindhu looked sharp and decisive. She won the match in 26 minutes, allowing her opponent little opportunity to establish a rhythm.

The Indian used her reach and court coverage to take control of rallies, while her attacking strokes and placement kept Pancasari under constant pressure. Sindhu won 42 of the 57 points played, conceding just 15 across the two games.

The result was another encouraging performance from the former world champion as she looks to carry her recent form into the business end of the tournament.

Sindhu will next face Denmark’s Amalie Schulz for a place in the semifinals.

Anmol Kharb Produces the Upset of the Day

Anmol Kharb delivered arguably the most significant Indian result of the day, defeating world No. 12 Line Christophersen in a gripping three-game contest. Ranked world No. 53, the 19-year-old had to recover after losing the opening game 11-21. Christophersen appeared to have the upper hand, but Anmol responded with greater resilience in the second game, winning it 21-18 to force a decider.

The final game turned into a tense battle, with neither player willing to give up the advantage. Anmol found herself trailing 12-16 and later 14-17 but produced a determined fightback to keep her hopes alive.

The Indian eventually took the decider 25-23, completing a memorable victory over the third seed and securing her place in the quarterfinals. The scoreline reflected the intensity of the contest. After being outplayed in the opening game, Anmol showed the ability to adjust, stay competitive and deliver under pressure. Her recovery from a four-point deficit in the deciding game was particularly impressive.

For the young Indian, beating a player ranked 41 places above her is a significant achievement and another opportunity to test herself against higher-ranked opposition.

Unnati Hooda ensured that India would have at least one representative in the women’s singles semifinals by defeating Denmark’s Frederikke Østergaard 21-11, 21-19. The world No. 21 produced a dominant opening game, establishing control to take it 21-11. Østergaard offered a stronger challenge in the second, but Unnati maintained her composure to close out the match 21-19.

The straight-games victory was important for Unnati, who avoided the extended three-game battle that Anmol and Sindhu had negotiated in their respective matches.

Her progression sets up an all-Indian quarterfinal against Anmol Kharb. The encounter guarantees that one Indian will advance to the semifinals, extending the country's presence in the women's singles draw.

It will also be an interesting contest between two players who have earned their places in the last eight through contrasting performances: Unnati with a controlled straight-games win and Anmol after a dramatic comeback against a top-15 opponent.

India Among the Strongest Represented Nations

India has four representatives across the different categories in the HYLO Open 2026 quarterfinals, including one in men's singles and three in women's singles.

The country is among the best-represented nations in the women's singles last eight, with Sindhu, Unnati and Anmol all progressing. Denmark leads the overall quarterfinal representation with eight entries, while India, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei and France have four each across the listed categories.

For India, the three women's singles quarterfinalists are the biggest positive from the Round of 16. Lakshya Sen has also progressed in men's singles, adding to the country's presence in the final stages.

The HYLO Open is shaping up to be an encouraging tournament for India, particularly in women's singles. Sindhu's experience, Unnati's consistency and Anmol's breakthrough victory have given the country three different reasons for optimism. The immediate focus will be on the quarterfinals. Sindhu faces Amalie Schulz, while Unnati and Anmol will compete for a place in the semifinals in an all-Indian encounter.

Anmol's victory over Christophersen will attract particular attention, but the challenge now is to build on that performance. With three Indian women in the last eight, the country has a genuine opportunity to make a deep run in the women's singles competition at the HYLO Open 2026.