NEW DELHI: In a significant development at the USD 240,000 BWF Taipei Open Super 300 on Saturday, promising Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda concluded their remarkable journey with semifinal appearances in their respective singles categories.Twenty-year-old Ayush, who claimed bronze at the 2023 World Junior Championships, displayed resilience but ultimately succumbed 18-21, 17-21 to home favourite and world No.7 Chou Tien Chen, an experienced competitor with nearly 20 years in international badminton.Meanwhile, Unnati, victor at the 2022 Odisha Masters and 2023 Abu Dhabi Masters, showed initial promise before falling 19-21, 11-21 to Japanese top seed and world No. 8 Tomoka Miyazaki, the 2022 World Junior Champion, in a 43-minute contest.Ayush, known for his powerful smashes and effective net control, had previously defeated notable players including All England finalist Lee Chia Hao, former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, and Canada’s Brian Yang.In his match against Chou, Ayush established an early 8-4 advantage through precise forecourt play and angular shots. However, several mistakes allowed Chou to reduce the deficit to 10-9 before securing a slight lead at the interval.The score remained tight at 11-11, with both players exchanging points. Despite Ayush’s aggressive forehand smashes, Chou’s experience proved decisive.At 18-18, the local player executed a body smash followed by an accurate backhand to secure the first game.The second game maintained similar intensity. Ayush’s varied shot selection helped him lead 11-10 at the break.Chou regained control, winning crucial net exchanges to establish a 13-11 lead. Although Ayush fought back to 14-13, some inaccurate shots disrupted his momentum.Chou maintained pressure with precise returns, securing four match points at 20-16. Ayush saved one point before a backhand error ended his campaign.Hooda commenced strongly, demonstrating excellent front court control and effective smashing to establish a 7-3 advantage.Precise shot execution, including a body smash, quick net return and deceptive block, secured her an 11-6 lead at the interval.Post-interval, Hooda’s performance declined. Miyazaki reduced the gap to 10-12 and achieved parity at 18-all when Hooda made a net error.The Japanese player secured the game point as Hooda hit wide, concluding with an accurate straight smash.Miyazaki dominated the second game, leading 4-0 as Hooda appeared unsettled. At 2-8, Hooda missed crucial opportunities, including a point despite her opponent’s fall.Hooda’s performance remained inconsistent while Miyazaki maintained precision, benefiting from a fortunate net cord to establish a 15-6 lead before securing victory.
