Fullerton, June 26: Indian badminton player Raunak Chauhan made headlines on Thursday by pulling off a stunning upset at the US Open tournament. He defeated the world number 6 and top seed from Chinese Taipei, Chou Tien-Chen, in straight games.
Ranked 80th in the world, Chauhan was part of India’s bronze medal-winning team at the World Junior Championships. He secured his spot in the quarterfinals by winning against Chou with scores of 21-17, 26-24.
The 18-year-old Indian maintained pressure on his more experienced opponent from the start. Although Chou led 17-15 at one point, Chauhan rallied to win six consecutive points, clinching the first game.
In the second game, Chou initially dominated, building a 17-11 lead. However, Chauhan made another comeback, leveling the score with six straight points. The two players then engaged in a fierce battle for victory. Chauhan saved four game points before converting his second match point, winning in 49 minutes.
In women’s singles, World Junior silver medalist Tanvi Sharma, along with Rakshita Sri and Devika Sihag, also advanced to the quarterfinals.
Fifth seed Tanvi defeated Chinese Taipei’s Tung Hsiu-Tung 21-12, 21-19, while Rakshita overcame her compatriot Chen Su-Yu with a score of 21-4, 21-19. Sixth seed Devika triumphed over Thailand’s Tonerug Saeheng 21-17, 21-19. Veteran player Kidambi Srikanth capped off a successful day for India by defeating Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia 21-14, 21-13.
The US Open 2026 badminton tournament commenced on June 23 and will run until June 28, 2026.
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