After a mixed bag of results in the opening round, Indian shuttlers are set for a high-stakes Round of 16 at the Hong Kong Open 2025 (Super 500).
With several tough matchups on the card, the day promises to be a true test of India’s depth in both singles and doubles. From marquee clashes between compatriots to daunting battles against top-ranked opponents, fans are in for an action-packed outing at the Hong Kong Coliseum on September 10.
The day kicks off with India’s star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty taking on Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh and Teeraratsakul at 8:10 AM IST. The Indians hold a 1-0 head-to-head advantage, and on paper, they are heavy favorites. Currently one of the most feared pairs in world badminton, Satwik and Chirag have developed a reputation for dominating with their power-packed smashes and sharp net play. This match gives them an opportunity to ease into the tournament after a relatively smooth first-round win. However, the Thai duo, known for their unpredictable attacking style, could look to disrupt rhythm early.
For Satwik-Chirag, the goal will be to keep rallies short and dictate tempo, avoiding any unnecessary three-game battles with tougher rounds ahead.
Ayush Shetty faces Kodai Naraoka test
One of India’s rising stars, Ayush Shetty, has drawn a tough Round of 16 opponent in Japan’s Kodai Naraoka. Scheduled for 12:20 PM IST, this men’s singles clash pits the 19-year-old Indian against a top-10 player renowned for his relentless retrieving and marathon endurance. The two have never faced each other before (H2H 0-0), making this a fascinating encounter. Shetty impressed in the Round of 32 with his comeback win over Su Li Yang, showing great composure in the deciding game. Against Naraoka, however, he will need to maintain patience, cut down errors, and be prepared for extended rallies.
For Shetty, this match is less about the result and more about measuring himself against one of the best grinders in the sport. A win would be a career-defining moment, while even a close contest would boost his confidence and experience.
Prannoy vs Lakshya: An all-Indian blockbuster
The standout fixture of the day comes at 12:25 PM IST when two of India’s biggest men’s singles names HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen go head-to-head. With a head-to-head record of 3-5 in Lakshya’s favor, this clash promises fireworks. Prannoy, the seasoned campaigner, brings stability, tactical sharpness, and the ability to handle crunch moments, as seen in his commanding Round of 32 win over Lu Guang Zu. On the other hand, Lakshya thrives in fast-paced rallies, using his aggressive style and sharp court coverage to overwhelm opponents.
All-Indian encounters often carry added drama, as both players are familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This match could very well go the distance, with the deciding factor likely being who holds their nerve in long rallies and manages fatigue better. Regardless of the result, India is guaranteed a quarterfinalist from this fixture, making it a highlight for fans back home.
Panda sisters face daunting challenge
In women’s doubles, the Panda sisters (Swetaparna and Rutuparna), who impressed in their opening-round victory, face a huge challenge against China’s Li Yi Jing and Luo Xue Mei at 3:00 PM IST. The Indians trail 0-1 in the head-to-head, highlighting the scale of their task. The Chinese pair is known for their aggressive front-court interceptions and fast exchanges, which could put the Indian duo under pressure. For the Pandas, staying solid on defense and forcing longer rallies will be key to standing a chance. Having shown promise against Hong Kong’s pair in Round 32, this contest will test their readiness to compete with the very best in the world.
Kiran George takes on Chou Tien Chen
Closing India’s day is Kiran George against Chinese Taipei’s experienced Chou Tien Chen, scheduled for 6:00 PM IST. The two have met once before, with Chou holding a 1-0 advantage. George was impressive in his straight-game win over Jason Teh in the Round of 32, displaying control and confidence. But against Chou, a former world No. 2, he faces an opponent with vast experience, superb defensive skills, and the ability to switch gears when needed. For George, the strategy will revolve around maintaining attacking pressure without committing unforced errors.
If he can extend rallies and capitalize on Chou’s occasional lapses in consistency, an upset might be on the cards.
The Round of 16 is poised to be a defining stage for India at the Hong Kong Open 2025. While Satwik-Chirag are expected to cruise into the quarterfinals, the focus will be on the men’s singles trio of Prannoy, Lakshya, and Ayush Shetty. The all-Indian clash guarantees progress for one, while the youngsters face opportunities to test themselves against world-class opponents.
For the Panda sisters and Kiran George, the round offers a chance to make a statement on the global stage. Victories here would not only boost their individual careers but also underline the growing strength of Indian badminton across categories. As the competition stiffens, Indian shuttlers will need to bring their best, combining skill, endurance, and mental toughness. With a packed day of action, September 10 could mark a turning point for India’s campaign in Hong Kong, setting the tone for deeper runs in the Super 500 event.
