India, July 22 -- The China Open 2026 is off to a thrilling start for Indian badminton fans. On Wednesday in Changzhou, India's top shuttlers, including two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, star player Lakshya Sen, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, all marched into the second round.

PV Sindhu vs Unnati Hooda

PV Sindhu faced off against her younger Indian teammate, 18-year-old Unnati Hooda, in the women's singles opening match. Sindhu, who recently won the Japan Open, took the first game comfortably 21-14. However, Hooda fought back hard to dominate the second game and force a decider.

Sindhu then turned things around in the final game to win the match 21-14, 9-21, 21-10. This victory was especially sweet for the veteran, as Hooda had kn...