Indian Shuttlers Smash Into US Open Semifinals

FULLERTON — Indian badminton is enjoying a historic run at the 2026 US Open as three singles players successfully navigated the quarter-finals on Friday, June 27, to secure their places in the semifinals. The impressive display at the Titan Gym in Fullerton, California, has put the Indian contingent in a prime position to challenge for the title in both men's and women's singles categories.

Leading the charge is 18-year-old rising star Rounak Chouhan, who reached his maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 semifinal. Chouhan, currently ranked 80th in the world, continued his breakout tournament run by defeating Israel’s Misha Zilberman in a decisive 23-21, 21-11 victory that lasted just 38 minutes. This follows his high-profile second-round upset over top-seeded Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

Experienced and Emerging Talent Excel

Joining Chouhan in the men's singles semifinals is former world number one Kidambi Srikanth. The 33-year-old veteran showcased his clinical precision by defeating Liao Jhuo-Fu of Chinese Taipei 21-9, 12-21, 21-8. Srikanth, who had earlier stunned Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Lee Zii Jia in the second round, remains a major favorite to clinch the trophy.

In the women's singles draw, 21-year-old Devika Sihag continued her stellar season by taking down third-seeded Riko Gunji of Japan. Sihag, ranked 35th, demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure to win 22-20, 21-19. This semifinal appearance marks Sihag’s third of the 2026 season, following her notable successes at the Thailand Masters and the Azerbaijan International.

Path to the Finals

The semifinals, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, present difficult but exciting challenges for the Indian shuttlers:

• Rounak Chouhan is set to face the eighth-seeded Su Li-yang of Chinese Taipei.

• Kidambi Srikanth will take on fourth-seeded Yudai Okimoto of Japan.

• Devika Sihag will battle second-seeded Line Christophersen of Denmark for a spot in the final.

While Tanvi Sharma and Rakshitha Sree were eliminated in the quarter-final round, the overall performance of the Indian contingent has been described as a "perfect showcase of talent" by tournament observers. The success of young players like Chouhan and Sihag, paired with the veteran dominance of Srikanth, underscores the deepening talent pool in Indian badminton.

Why It Matters

For Indian badminton, this tournament serves as a critical indicator of the country's depth beyond the established stars. The transition of 18-year-old Rounak Chouhan from the qualifiers to the semifinals signals a major shift in the men’s circuit, while Devika Sihag’s consistent presence in late-stage rounds positions her as a serious contender for major titles moving forward. For the fans, the potential for an all-Indian final in the men's singles category offers a highly anticipated spectacle.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Maiden Milestone: Teenager Rounak Chouhan reached his first-ever Super 300 semifinal.

• Veteran Consistency: Former world number one Kidambi Srikanth remains in peak form, having defeated two high-seeded international stars.

• Women's Singles Strength: Devika Sihag is competing in her third semifinal of the season.

• Tournament Context: The US Open 2026 is a BWF World Tour Super 300 event taking place in Fullerton, California.

FAQ

When are the semifinal matches taking place?

The semifinal matches are scheduled for June 28, 2026, at the Titan Gym in Fullerton.

Who are the opponents for the Indian players in the semis?

Chouhan faces Su Li-yang (Chinese Taipei), Srikanth meets Yudai Okimoto (Japan), and Sihag plays Line Christophersen (Denmark).

Where can fans watch the matches?

Coverage for BWF Super 300 events is generally available through the BWF YouTube channel or official local sports broadcasters in respective regions.

Source: Olympics.com, The Hindu, The Bridge