- BANGKOK — The Indian campaign at the Thailand Open suffered a significant
blow on Thursday as rising stars Unnati Hooda and Malvika Bansod bowed out of
the Super 500 tournament in the second round of the women’s singles
category.
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- Facing formidable local opponents, both shuttlers endured
straight-game defeats, ending their run in the competition earlier than hoped.
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- Unnati Hooda, just 17 and already a two-time BWF title
winner with triumphs at the Odisha Masters and Abu Dhabi Masters, came up
against top seed and world No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand.
Related: Thailand Open: Lakshya Sen crashes out; Aakarshi Kashyap, Unnati Hooda advance to second round
- The Thai ace, known for her aggressive style and swift
court coverage, dominated from the outset. Unnati showed glimpses of her
shot-making prowess but struggled to maintain consistency against the more
experienced Chochuwong.
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- The match ended 14-21, 11-21 in just 39 minutes, with the
Indian teenager unable to shift the momentum in her favour.
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- Meanwhile, world No. 23 Malvika Bansod also faced a tough
draw, going up against former world champion Ratchanok Intanon, one of
Thailand’s most celebrated shuttlers. The 2024 Hylo Open finalist found herself
on the back foot early in both games, as Intanon’s deft touches and deceptive
strokes controlled the tempo.
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- Malvika did fight back with a spirited effort in the
second game but ultimately fell short, losing 12-21, 16-21.
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- With Unnati and Malvika’s exits, India’s hopes now rest
on the shoulders of its remaining contingent in the tournament. Later in the
day, the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will be
looking to extend their run, as will the men’s doubles duo of Sai Pratheek K
and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy.
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