May 26th 2024.
PV Sindhu's quest for a much-needed title was once again delayed as she fell short in the final moments, losing to China's Wang Zhi Yi in a grueling three-game match at the Kuala Lumpur Open on Sunday. Despite being seeded fifth and having an impressive track record, which includes winning the Singapore Open and Commonwealth Games in 2022 and finishing as the runner-up in the Madrid Spain Masters in 2023, Sindhu was unable to clinch the title.
The match started off promisingly for Sindhu as she held a commanding 11-3 lead in the final game after winning the first. However, in a shocking turn of events, the former world champion suffered a meltdown after the change of ends, allowing Wang to snatch the victory with a score of 21-16, 5-21, 16-21 in a lengthy 79-minute match.
While the title would have been a great achievement for Sindhu, her impressive performance throughout the tournament still gives her a lot of confidence as she prepares for the Paris Olympics. This was her first final appearance on the BWF World Tour in over a year, which speaks to her determination and perseverance.
Sindhu showcased a combination of poise and power in her match against the reigning Asian champion, Wang, dominating the proceedings for most of the game. However, after the break in the final game, things fell apart for the Indian shuttler, and the trophy slipped away from her grasp.
Although Sindhu has lost to Wang in the past, she has also defeated her twice in three meetings. Interestingly, it was Wang who Sindhu had beaten in the finals of her last BWF title at the Singapore Open. However, on Sunday, Wang proved to be the stronger player, snatching the victory from Sindhu's grasp.
Sindhu had a comfortable lead of 11-3 at the interval in the final game, but unfortunately, she struggled with errors after the change of sides, allowing Wang to take control and win 18 of the next 23 points. This unfortunate turn of events cost Sindhu the championship title.
As she sets her sights on a third Olympic medal at the Paris Games, Sindhu has looked subdued in her recent matches since making a comeback from a knee injury earlier this season. She has yet to defeat top players such as Carolina Marin, Tai Tzu Ying, Chen Yu Fei, and Akane Yamaguchi, whom she is expected to face in the Paris Olympics.
Sindhu, who now trains at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru, had a strong performance throughout the tournament, but the loss in the final from a winning position is something that she will need to address in the coming months.
The final match between Sindhu and Wang lived up to its expectations, with both players displaying high-paced and intense gameplay from the start. Sindhu managed to take an early lead of 6-4, but Wang quickly caught up, and the two went back and forth in a battle for dominance. Sindhu's strong defensive play and ability to handle Wang's attacks helped her secure an 11-9 lead at the break.
Sindhu continued to put pressure on Wang with her powerful smashes and precise returns, and she managed to maintain a comfortable lead of 17-10. However, a few errors from Sindhu allowed Wang to close the gap to 16-19. Despite this, Sindhu managed to secure four game points, and she sealed the first game with ease.
The second game was a different story for Sindhu as she struggled with the playing conditions and quickly fell behind with a score of 1-5. Wang took advantage of this and extended her lead to 11-3. Sindhu looked impatient, and the cross drifts in the stadium seemed to affect her game. Wang took advantage of this and secured 16 game points, eventually winning the game with a lucky net chord.
In the final game, Sindhu regained her aggressive play, taking control of the shuttle and putting pressure on her opponent. Her powerful smashes and quick returns helped her take a lead of 4-1. She continued to dominate the game, moving to a 7-2 lead with another speedy rally. However, Wang made a sensational comeback after the break, winning two long rallies, one of which lasted 55 shots and the other 56. With Sindhu committing errors, Wang took five straight points and turned the tables, leading at 15-13. Sindhu seemed to struggle, possibly due to her exhausting semi-final match the day before.
In the end, Wang secured six championship points, and although Sindhu managed to save two, her final shot went long, giving Wang the victory. It was a disappointing end for Sindhu, but Wang's skill and determination were undeniable. Despite the loss, Sindhu's performance throughout the tournament was commendable, and it will surely give her the confidence she needs as she prepares for the Paris Olympics.
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