Indian shuttlers Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma advanced to the women’s singles semifinals of the Taipei Open Super 300, keeping India’s title hopes alive with impressive quarterfinal victories on Friday.
Eighteen-year-old Unnati Hooda defeated compatriot Devika Sihag 23-21, 21-16 in a closely contested match to secure her place in the last four. The victory provides a timely confidence boost ahead of the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, where Unnati will make her debut.
Joining her in the semifinals, Tanvi Sharma produced a determined performance to overcome Thailand’s fourth seed Supanida Katethong 21-15, 18-21, 21-14 in a three-game battle.
In the semifinals, Unnati will face Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam, while Tanvi will take on Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Hsun as both Indians aim to book a place in the final.
Meanwhile, India’s challenge in the men’s singles ended after Kiran George suffered a straight-game defeat to Japan’s fourth seed Yudai Okimoto. The Japanese shuttler won 21-12, 21-10 to progress to the semifinals.
With two Indian players reaching the women’s singles semifinals, the Taipei Open has turned into a promising campaign for Indian badminton. Strong performances from Unnati and Tanvi also come as a positive sign ahead of the upcoming World Championships, where both players will look to carry forward their impressive form on the international stage.
