Odisha Open | Unnati becomes youngest women singles champion at 14; Kiran George wins mens title

Kiran George stops Priyanshu for men’s title

Fourteen-year-old Unnati Hooda capped a splendid run with an impressive finish against a fighting Smit Toshniwal to become the youngest winner of the women’s singles title in the $75,000 Odisha Open badminton tournament at Cuttack on Sunday.

For the men’s singles title, Kiran George staved off a remarkable rally from Priyanshu Rajawat in three games.

The newsmaker of the day was the Haryana school-girl who kept her calm to claim the first game. Trailing 9-14, Unnati battled hard to surge ahead at 18-17 to lead for the first time. Though Smit drew level, Unnati won three straight points to close the game.