Saarbrücken, October 31, 2026: Indian shuttler Anmol Kharb continued her impressive run at the Hylo Open Super 500, defeating compatriot Unnati Hooda in a hard-fought quarterfinal to set up an all-Indian semifinal against PV Sindhu.
Anmol Wins Three-Game Battle
World No. 53 Anmol defeated world No. 21 Unnati 21-17, 18-21, 21-16 in a match lasting 68 minutes.
After taking the opening game, Anmol lost the second but regained control in the decider with aggressive net play and sharper rally construction.
Seven-Point Run Turns Decider
The deciding game remained close until Anmol produced a crucial seven-point burst after the score reached 12-11.
That run helped her move ahead 19-12 before Unnati attempted a late comeback. Anmol eventually closed out the match after adjusting the pace of the rallies in the final stages.
Strong Net Play Proves Crucial
Anmol’s ability to dominate at the net emerged as one of the key differences between the two players.
She repeatedly pushed Unnati deep into the backcourt before moving forward to finish rallies, while also using drops and half-smashes effectively to create openings.
Back-to-Back Wins Over Higher-Ranked Players
The victory follows Anmol’s upset of Denmark’s world No. 12 Line Christophersen in the previous round.
In that match, the 19-year-old saved three match points before winning 11-21, 21-18, 25-23, giving her one of the biggest victories of her senior career.
PV Sindhu Awaits in Semifinal
Anmol will now face two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in the Hylo Open semifinal.
The all-Indian contest guarantees an Indian presence in the women’s singles final and offers Anmol another major test against one of the country’s most accomplished badminton players.
Anmol’s Revival Gathers Momentum
Anmol first gained national attention after winning the senior national title as a teenager and later playing a key role in India’s Asian women’s team gold medal triumph.
Her performances in Saarbrücken suggest she is once again building momentum on the senior international circuit after a period in which academics and inconsistent form slowed her progress.
Source: The Indian Express
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