PV Sindhu Vs Unnati Hooda Highlights, BWF China Open: Teen Prodigy Stuns Double Olympic Medallist

Hello! We’re back with another live blog, and this time it’s PV Sindhu vs Unnati Hooda in the Round of 16 at the BWF China Open 2025. Stay tuned for live updates.

Live streaming of the China Open 2025 badminton matches will be available in India on the BWF TV YouTube channel. However, details regarding live telecast on TV channels have not been announced.

Their only previous meeting came at the Syed Modi Super 300 in Lucknow last year. After her quarterfinal win, Unnati Hooda was excited at the prospect of facing PV Sindhu in the semis. “It will be Sindhu di, and it will be my first ever meeting against her,” the 17-year-old had said. “She’s achieved so much, she’s an idol for every young Indian shuttler.”

PV Sindhu 1-0 Unnati Hooda

The much-anticipated all-Indian clash has been delayed by an hour, but the wait is almost over. Stay tuned, the action is about to begin.

A steady start from both players, Sindhu has edged ahead with her trademark precision, but Hooda’s not far behind, keeping the rallies sharp and competitive. Early momentum with Sindhu, but this one’s just getting started.

Unnati Hooda has taken a 6–4 lead in the opening game, showing no signs of nerves against the seasoned Sindhu. The teenager is moving swiftly across the court, pushing Sindhu into longer rallies and forcing the pace early on.

Sindhu is starting to push back, testing Hooda with sharper placements and longer rallies. The teenager, though, stays composed and regains her lead at 10–9. The contest is picking up pace now, with both players fully dialled in.

The first game had all the makings of a tight battle, a see-saw start with both players trading points, neither giving an inch. Sindhu’s experience kept her in it early, while Hooda matched her with fearless shot-making.

But as the game wore on, it was the teenager who found her rhythm. From 16-all, Hooda stepped up with a burst of four straight points, pushing Sindhu on the defensive. With the momentum firmly in her corner, Hooda sealed the opener 21–16, a composed finish to a game that began on even footing.

The second game is up and running, and Sindhu comes out with intent, aiming to level the match. Hooda, though, isn’t backing off, she’s reading the play well and keeping pace. It’s all square at 7–7, with both players locked in and refusing to blink.

Hooda resumes with clear intent, trimming the deficit with sharp footwork and crisp shots. She claws her way back to within one at 11–12, threatening to level things up in the second game.

But Sindhu responds just in time, breaking Hooda’s momentum to pull ahead 14–13. It’s neck and neck now, with neither player giving anything away.

What a turnaround from Sindhu! In a game that swung back and forth, the veteran dug deep when it mattered most. Trailing at times and under pressure from Hooda, Sindhu kept her composure, surged ahead to 20–19, and held firm to close out the second game.

We’re heading to a decider now, Sindhu’s experience shining through just in time.

Unnati Hooda has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of her young career, defeating Olympic medallist Pusarla V Sindhu 21–16, 19–21, 21–13 in the Round of 16. The teenager held her nerve in the decider, outplaying the veteran with sharp movement and fearless shot-making.

It’s a massive statement win for Hooda, and easily the standout result of her tournament so far. Sindhu fought hard to force a third game, but Hooda simply had more left in the tank when it mattered most.

That’s a wrap from this thrilling Round of 16 clash! Unnati Hooda stuns PV Sindhu and marches into the quarterfinals in style. We’ll catch you again with another live blog, until then, bye bye and take care.