Gilmour Outplayed by India’s Unnati Hooda in Opening Round

24th July 2025 by Robert McLean

Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour endured a tough start to her campaign at the Victor China Open, falling in straight sets to India’s emerging star Unnati Hooda. The 17-year-old showcased a level of maturity and composure beyond her years, outplaying the experienced Gilmour 21-11, 21-16 in a dominant display.

The first set saw Hooda take immediate control, using her speed around the court and pinpoint accuracy to dictate the tempo. Gilmour struggled to find her footing, with unforced errors creeping into her game as the Indian teenager raced to a comfortable 21-11 win.

The second set was a more competitive affair, with Gilmour showing glimpses of her trademark attacking style and greater control at the net. However, Hooda’s relentless consistency and sharp anticipation allowed her to fend off any potential comeback. A late surge from Gilmour narrowed the gap, but Hooda closed out the match 21-16 to seal her place in the next round.

For Gilmour, the result marks a frustrating early exit, but her focus now shifts to a much bigger stage — the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships in Paris at the end of August. The former European silver medalist will be hoping to use the weeks ahead to fine-tune her game and return to peak form.

With the World Championships in Paris looming, Gilmour remains one of Scotland’s key hopes. A deep run there would not only reaffirm her status on the global stage but also serve as an important momentum builder heading towards the qualification phase for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.