PV Sindhu Survives Unnati Hooda Scare, Ayush Shetty Stuns World No. 11 at China Open
PV Sindhu overcame a spirited challenge from teenage compatriot Unnati Hooda, while rising star Ayush Shetty produced the biggest upset of the opening day as India enjoyed an encouraging start at the China Open Super 1000 in Changzhou on Wednesday.
Fresh from ending her two-year title drought at the Japan Open last week, Sindhu was pushed to the limit by the fearless 18-year-old Hooda before sealing a 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 victory in a gripping 56-minute women's singles contest.
The two-time Olympic medallist looked comfortable after taking the opening game, but Hooda responded brilliantly in the second, dominating proceedings with aggressive attacking play to level the match. Facing a stern test, Sindhu showcased her experience in the deciding game, steadily taking control before closing out the contest with authority.
The victory sets up another blockbuster clash for the former world champion, who will face fourth seed Chen Yufei of China in the pre-quarterfinals. Sindhu heads into the match with confidence after defeating the Chinese star in straight games during last week's Japan Open semifinals.
The biggest Indian story of the day, however, came from Ayush Shetty, who stunned world No. 11 Alwi Farhan of Indonesia with a remarkable 17-21, 21-5, 21-17 comeback victory. After losing the opening game, the youngster completely turned the match around with fearless attacking badminton before holding his nerve in the decider to register one of the biggest wins of his career.
Lakshya Sen also advanced after battling past Japan's Yushi Tanaka 22-20, 15-21, 21-14 in a demanding 53-minute encounter. The Indian ace will next take on Canada's Victor Lai, the tournament's eighth seed.
India's campaign, however, ended in the men's doubles for Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun, while mixed doubles pairs Rohan Kapoor-Gadde Ruthvika Shivani and Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto also bowed out after defeats against higher-ranked Chinese opponents.