PV Sindhu Knocked Out in World Championships Pre Quarterfinals
PV Sindhu suffered a disappointing exit from the World Badminton Championships after losing a closely fought pre quarterfinal against China’s Wang Zhi Yi in New Delhi.
PV Sindhu’s hopes of winning a sixth World Championships medal ended earlier than expected after the Indian star was beaten in the women’s singles pre quarterfinals in New Delhi.
The 11 time World Championships participant fought hard against third seeded Wang Zhi Yi, but eventually lost 11 21, 21 15, 17 21 in a match that lasted close to one and a half hours.
Sindhu started the contest on level terms with Wang, with both players locked at 7 7. A long 41 shot rally helped the Chinese player gain momentum, while a series of mistakes from Sindhu allowed Wang to take control of the opening game.
The Indian responded strongly in the second game. Sindhu used sharp cross court smashes and effective net play to build an early advantage. She led 3 0 and later moved ahead 15 13 before forcing the match into a deciding game.
The final game turned into a tense battle. Sindhu looked in control at 7 4 and 13 10, but Wang refused to give up. The Chinese shuttler used long rallies to keep the pressure on Sindhu and levelled the score at 15 15.
Wang also appeared to struggle with a leg muscle problem and took a medical timeout. Despite the discomfort, she continued fighting and produced another long rally that lasted 54 shots. Sindhu then sent a crucial shot beyond the line, allowing Wang to move ahead 19 17.
Under pressure in the closing stages, Sindhu made another costly error when her smash went into the net. Wang secured match point and completed the win soon after. This was Sindhu’s sixth defeat against Wang in their meetings.
India’s singles campaign also ended with young shuttler Ayush Shetty losing in the same round. However, the country’s medal hopes remain alive in the doubles events, with Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly reaching the women’s doubles quarterfinals and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advancing in the men’s doubles.
For Sindhu, the early exit is a major setback on home soil, where she had hoped to add another World Championships medal to her decorated career.
