Indian Badminton Stars Sindhu, Sen, Shetty Crash Out of China Open 2026
Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
India's top badminton contingent faced a stunning triple knockout at the China Open 2026 on Thursday, July 23, as star shuttlers PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and rising talent Ayush Shetty were all eliminated in the second round of the prestigious BWF Super 1000 tournament in Changzhou, bringing India's campaign to an abrupt end. The day's biggest shock saw two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu squander multiple match points in a gruelling three-game battle against home favourite Chen Yufei, ultimately falling in a rematch of their recent Japan Open semi-final clash. The unexpected exits, particularly Sindhu's dramatic loss after holding a commanding lead in the second game, raise questions about the players' form and readiness as the crucial BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi loom in August. This Super 1000 event, one of the most esteemed on the global circuit, offers significant ranking points and serves as a vital barometer for elite players, highlighting the intense competition and the unforgiving nature of top-tier badminton where even small errors can prove costly. With the China Open now behind them, all eyes will be on how Sindhu, Sen, and Shetty regroup. Their next major outing is the Taipei Open, a BWF Super 300 event, starting on July 28, which will offer a chance to regain momentum and fine-tune their strategies before they take on the world's best at home in the BWF World Championships next month.