World no. 48 Aakarshi Kashyap defeated Japan’s Kaoru Sugiyama, an opponent placed 11 spots higher, to book her spot in the Thailand Open 2025 pre-quarters on Wednesday. Aakarshi, 23, seized the upper hand with a 21-16 win in the opening game, before edging Sugiyama 22-20 in the decider.
Elsewhere, Unnati Hooda’s impressive May continued with a battling opening round victory over Thailand’s Thamonwan Nithiittikrai. The 17-year-old had recently reached the Taipei Open 2025 semi-final, her first such milestone in a Super 300 or above rated tournament outside India.
Women’s Singles – Round-of-32
Aakarshi Kashyap (IND) def. Kaoru Sugiyama (JPN) 21-16, 20-22, 22-20
Unnati Hooda (IND) def. Thamonwan Nithiittikrai (THA) 21-14, 18-21, 23
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Lakshya Sen and Priyanshu Rajawat fail
While Aakarshi and Unnati recorded impressive wins, and Piyush Rajawat suffered early exits from the tournament. Lakshya, ranked no.18 in the world, lost his round-of-32 match against Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen. Rajawat, came up short against Thailand’s Alwi Farhan.
Losses to Lakshya and Priyanshu means India have lost two of their top players in the men’s singles. Later in the day India’s Tharun Mannepalli will be facing Justin Hoh of Malaysia.
Men’s Singles – Round-of-32
Lakshya Sen (IND) lost to Nhat Nguyen (IRE) 18-21 21-9 21-17
Priyanshu Rajawat (IND) lost to Alwi Farhan (THA) 13-21 21-17 16-21
Prakhar Sachdeo
The Sportz Planet Desk
