Shenzhen, China: India enjoyed a strong day at the China Masters 2025, with P. V. Sindhu and the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty storming into the quarterfinals after convincing straight-games victories on Thursday.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, needed just 41 minutes to dismantle World No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand 21-15, 21-15. With this win, the World No. 14 extended her head-to-head record against Chochuwong to 6-5. The 30-year-old will now face a daunting test against top seed An Se Young, who has won all seven of their previous encounters, six in straight games.
In men’s doubles, Satwik-Chirag maintained their fine form, easing past Chinese Taipei’s Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh 21-13, 21-12 in just 33 minutes. The World No. 1 Indian duo will meet the home pair Ren Xiang Yu and Xie Haonan in the quarterfinals.
Sindhu, who had suffered a first-round exit at the Hong Kong Open, expressed satisfaction with her sharp performance in Shenzhen.
“I am happy with the win, and it was very important for me from the beginning to be alert and give my 100 per cent. Straight wins always give you confidence, but you also have to be prepared for long matches,” Sindhu said.
She also credited her steady progress under the guidance of Irwansyah Adi Pratama, India’s women’s singles coach, calling the partnership “very good” and “showing results step by step.”
With two key wins, India’s campaign in Shenzhen gathers momentum, but the real tests lie ahead as Sindhu faces her toughest rival, while Satwik-Chirag prepare to silence the home crowd.