Unnati Hooda’s remarkable China Open run ends in quarterfinal defeat to Yamaguchi

A day after stunning two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, teenage sensation Unnati Hooda saw her spirited campaign at the China Open Super 1000 come to an end on Friday with a straight-games loss to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals in Changzhou.

Third-seeded Yamaguchi, a two-time world champion, defeated the 17-year-old Indian 21-16, 21-12 in just 33 minutes to book her place in the semifinals.

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“I was making too many unforced errors, especially when the scores were level. She (Yamaguchi) was very good with her drop shots and controlled the game,” said Hooda after the match.

“I need to be more patient against her because she is really strong in defence. I can’t be in a hurry to finish the point—I should wait for the right time to attack,” added the teenager, reflecting on her first meeting with World No. 4 Yamaguchi.

For World No. 35 Hooda, reaching the quarterfinals was no small feat, as she overcame higher-ranked opponents during the tournament.

The Haryana youngster defeated World No. 29 Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland in straight games in the opening round before outlasting compatriot PV Sindhu in a thrilling three-game battle in the round of 16.

“I’m happy that I reached the quarterfinals in my first Super 1000 event, but there’s still a lot to learn from this tournament,” said Hooda.

Later in the day, India’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will face the Malaysian duo of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in their quarterfinal match.