In a thrilling upset at the Hylo Open 2025, Spanish mixed doubles pair Rubén García and Lucía Rodríguez have stormed into the quarterfinals, delivering a meaningful victory for Spanish badminton. The duo, currently ranked outside the top 20, took down the formidable Taiwanese team of Ye Hong Wei and Nicole Gonzales Chan, who sit at world No.17, in a hard-fought two-set match (21-14, 22-20).
This win marks one of the most impressive performances of the year for García and Rodríguez. The match showcased their composure and strategic prowess, particularly in critical junctures.After a slight deficit early in the first set, they found their rhythm, building momentum to secure a commanding lead. The second set saw them extend their advantage considerably after the break, demonstrating remarkable resilience to fend off a late surge from their higher-ranked opponents. Their ability to maintain focus under pressure was key to clinching the match and advancing in the super 500 event on the BWF World Tour circuit.
“We knew they were a strong pair, but we focused on our game plan and trusted each other,” García commented after the match. “To get this win is huge for us and for Spanish badminton.”
The Spanish duo is set to return to the court on Friday for their quarterfinal clash. They will face the winners of the match between the Taiwanese team of Yang Po-Hsuan and Hu Ling Fang, and the French pair Julien Maio and Léa Palermo. This next match represents another opportunity for García and Rodríguez to make their mark on the international stage.
While García and Rodríguez celebrated, the women’s doubles team of Carmen jiménez and Nikol Carulla narrowly missed out on advancing. Despite a valiant effort, they were defeated in a tight first set (23-25) before falling in the second (14-21). Their performance, however, highlighted their growing competitive spirit and potential within the national badminton landscape.
García and rodríguez now stand as the sole Spanish representatives in the Hylo Open, underscoring the promising trajectory of Spanish players in doubles disciplines.
beyond the Hylo Open, Spanish badminton talent is being showcased across various international tournaments. In Budapest,the Hungarian International is underway,featuring Spanish players like Álvaro Leal and Cristina Teruel. Concurrently, Indonesia is hosting a Para-Badminton international with three spanish participants. The Portugal Open U17, commencing Friday in Caldas da Rainha, will see a strong contingent of 25 national athletes compete, further demonstrating the depth and breadth of Spanish badminton’s international engagement.
The success of García and Rodríguez at the Hylo Open serves as an inspiring example for aspiring badminton players in the U.S. and globally. It highlights how strategic play, mental fortitude, and strong partnership can overcome even the most established opponents. this victory could signal a shift in the doubles landscape, encouraging more focus on this exciting discipline within the sport.
