Gilmour Looks to Shine on World Stage

22nd July 2025 by Robert McLean

Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour is set to take centre stage this week at the Victor China Open, one of the most prestigious and high-stakes events on the badminton calendar. Held in Changzhou, this HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 event is the final Super 1000 tournament of the season and attracts the very best players from around the globe — making it a key battleground ahead of the season-ending World Tour Finals.

In the first round (last 32), she faces India’s rising star Unnati Hooda, a rapidly ascending force in women’s singles. At just 17 years old, Hooda has already surged to World No. 35 and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the game. Her junior record is impressive, with five BWF Junior International titles to her name, showcasing both her consistency and competitive edge.

The two players have never met in competitive play, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. Gilmour will be hoping that her experience and court craft give her the edge as she aims to build momentum in what promises to be a fiercely contested draw.

A win for the Scot could set up a potential last-16 showdown with Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki, offering a chance to settle the score in what would be a compelling rematch.

📺 Don’t miss it — you can watch Kirsty’s match LIVE on the BWF YouTube channel!

Kirsty is scheduled as the 9th match on Court 2 tomorrow, and the entire day’s action will be streamed live for free on BWF TV on YouTube — the official home for global badminton coverage. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the sport, it’s a perfect opportunity to see world-class badminton in action and cheer on one of Scotland’s top athletes.

We’ll be following Kirsty’s journey closely throughout the tournament. Stay connected to our website and social media channels for full post-match analysis and coverage from Changzhou.

Good luck, Kirsty — Scotland is behind you!