Indian shuttler Unnati Hooda kicked off her BWF World Championships debut with an impressive win in New Delhi. After the solid performances of PV Sindhu, Ayush Shetty, Hooda maintained India's impressive run by overcoming Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar in straight games. The Indian shuttler was pushed hard in the first game but maintained her calm to take it 22-20 before sealing the clash with a convincing 21-16 win in the second game.
After this, Hooda will lock horns against Canada's Michelle Li, who booked her place in the next round after defeating Chinese Taipei's Pai Yu Po 22-20, 21-12.
Great outing from Unnati
Unnati, who hails from Rohtak, Haryana, made her mark in the sport at a very tender age, becoming the youngest Indian to win a BWF Super 100 title. Currently ranked World No. 26, the Indian shuttler showcased her potential against her Myanmar opponent, although she had to battle hard to secure a win.
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Hooda raised her game in the second game, using a mix of smashed and sharp cross-court shots to take complete control of the game. She raced to a commanding 11-1 advantage and despite some resistance from her opponent later in the game, closed it out 21-16 to secure her place in the second round.
India suffer defeats in mixed doubles
India endured a tough outing in the mixed doubles on Day 2, with two pairs making exits. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani went down to Canada's Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai following a closely contested three-game battle, losing 22-20, 19-21, 17-21. Asith Surya and Amrutha Prmuthesh were also engaged in a close clash but suffered a narrow 21-16, 29-30, 22-24 defeat against their Turkish opponents, bringing their campaign to an end in the opening round.
With both mixed doubles pairs knocked out, India's attention will now turn towards Lakshya Sen, who is set to kick off his campaign in the World Championships on the evening of August 18 and will look to make a strong start.