Satwik-Chirag Exit China Open 2025 in Semifinals; Unnati Hooda’s Sensational Run Ends
Changzhou, July 26 (TheTrendingPeople) India’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty bowed out of the China Open 2025 in the semifinals on Saturday after suffering a straight-game defeat at the hands of Malaysia’s world No. 2 duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. The Indian duo, ranked No. 3 in the world, lost 13-21, 17-21 in a 42-minute clash at Changzhou.
This was Satwik-Chirag’s third semifinal appearance of the 2025 BWF World Tour season, underlining their consistent run this year. The loss comes after strong showings at the Singapore Open and India Open, where the pair had also reached the final four.
Malaysians Dominate Semifinal Battle
Against the Malaysian pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, Satwik and Chirag struggled to find their rhythm. The Malaysians took early control in the first game and never allowed the Indians to recover. The second game saw a more competitive effort from the Indian side, but Chia and Soh maintained their composure to close out the match in straight games.
With this victory, the Malaysian pair has booked their place in the final where they will face Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.
Quarterfinal Brilliance From Satwik-Chirag
Satwik and Chirag had earlier displayed their trademark aggression and synchronicity in the quarterfinals, where they defeated Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in straight sets — 21-18, 21-14 — in just 40 minutes.
In that match, the Indian pair showcased excellent net control, powerful smashes, and tight defensive play. They surged ahead in the second game, stringing together six consecutive points from 15-14 to clinch the victory and improve their head-to-head record against Sin and Yi to 7-3.
Their performance in the quarterfinal had raised hopes for a spot in the final, but the semifinal proved to be a hurdle too steep this time.
Unnati Hooda’s Brave Campaign Ends
In women’s singles, 17-year-old Unnati Hooda’s remarkable journey at the China Open came to an end in the quarterfinals on Friday. She lost to Japan’s world No. 4 and former world champion Akane Yamaguchi, who outclassed the Indian youngster 21-16, 21-12 in a 33-minute match.
Unnati had made headlines earlier in the tournament by stunning PV Sindhu, India’s most decorated female shuttler and two-time Olympic medalist, in the pre-quarterfinals. That upset win marked one of the biggest moments of her budding career and caught the attention of the global badminton community.
However, facing the seasoned and relentless Yamaguchi proved to be a different challenge. The Japanese shuttler used her speed, tactical variations, and precise shot-making to keep Unnati on the back foot throughout the match.
Though Unnati started well in the first game and kept pace with Yamaguchi for a while, the latter’s experience shone through. The second game saw the Japanese star raise the tempo, leaving little room for Unnati to recover.
Bright Future for Indian Badminton
Despite the losses, the tournament provided several positives for Indian badminton.
Satwik and Chirag continue to solidify their reputation as one of the world’s elite doubles pairings. Their consistent presence in the semifinals of major BWF Tour events demonstrates their growth and resilience. The duo has become India’s most reliable force in men’s doubles and is seen as a strong medal contender for future top-tier events, including the World Championships and Paris 2024 Olympics.
Unnati Hooda’s run, meanwhile, marks the emergence of a new star in women’s singles. At just 17, her fearless approach, athleticism, and tactical maturity impressed many, especially her victory over PV Sindhu. Her performance at the China Open is expected to boost her confidence and ranking, setting her up for bigger battles in the months ahead.
Road Ahead
- Satwik-Chirag will now look ahead to upcoming Super 750 and Super 1000 events where they’ll aim to reach finals and possibly clinch titles.
- Unnati Hooda is expected to continue training under the national coaching setup, and may receive increased exposure through international events following her recent success.
The results at the China Open also underline the depth in Indian badminton, with both experienced stars and young players making a mark on the world stage.
Final Thoughts
While the China Open 2025 ended in heartbreak for Satwik-Chirag and Unnati Hooda, both exits came after strong, spirited campaigns that signal the rising stature of Indian badminton on the global stage. Satwik and Chirag reaffirmed their consistency in the elite doubles circuit, while Unnati’s breakout performance marked her arrival as a promising new force in women’s singles.
India’s shuttlers now return home with lessons, experience, and motivation — ready to train harder for the next set of global tournaments. The future looks bright for Indian badminton.