Unnati Hooda, Ashwini Ponappa-Tanisha Crasto secure Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 title

This is Unnati's 2nd BWF World tour 100 title.

The Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 badminton tournament played host to an exhilarating exhibition of talent, with India's young sensation, Unnati Hooda, claiming the women's singles title. Simultaneously, the formidable duo of Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto etched their names in history by securing the women's doubles championship.

In a highly anticipated all-Indian women's singles final, Unnati Hooda, 16, squared off against 20-year-old Samiya Imad Farooqui. The arena witnessed a breathtaking contest as Hooda displayed remarkable composure and skill, securing the title with a scoreline of 21-16, 22-20, in a captivating 40-minute duel. This victory marked Hooda's second Super 100 title, reaffirming her rapid ascent in the world of badminton.

Hooda's path to the championship was filled with impressive victories, including a stunning triumph over the top seed and world No. 46 Thet Htar Thuzar in the semifinals. Her exceptional performance throughout the competition saw her secure the championship without dropping a single game, underlining her extraordinary talent and determination.

Meanwhile, the women's doubles event showcased a riveting final. The top-seeded pair of Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto confronted Denmark's Julie Finne-Ipsen and Mai Surrow. After an initial comfortable win in the first game, Ponappa and Crasto faced a spirited fightback from the Danish duo in the second game. However, they rebounded with exceptional tenacity in the decider to claim the title with a scoreline of 21-16, 16-21, 21-8, following an intense 58-minute encounter.

This victory marked Ponappa and Crasto's first World Tour title, adding a new chapter to their burgeoning list of achievements.

Ponappa and Crasto's journey to the championship was marked by impeccable teamwork and precision. They entered the final with a series of convincing victories, including a triumph over compatriots Sikki Reddy and Arathi Sara Sunil in the semifinals.

Kiran George, the top seed in the men's singles event, was touted as one of the favorites to capture the title. But he fell short of expectations when he failed to progress beyond the semifinals. His journey in the tournament came to an abrupt end, despite the high hopes surrounding his performance.

Joining George in the semifinals was Raghu Mariswamy, who also represented India's aspirations in the men's singles category. However, both of them faced tough opposition and ultimately bowed out of the competition.