In a nail-biting semifinal at the Malaysia Open, PV Sindhu’s title aspirations crumbled against China’s Han Yue. The Indian maestro lost 17-21, 19-21 in a 48-minute battle, exiting the Super 750 event just short of the final.
Sindhu arrived as a crowd favorite, her journey marked by gritty wins over quality opposition. The Rio Olympic gold medalist’s blend of power and finesse had carried her through quarters. Facing Han, a 24-year-old sensation, Sindhu aimed to leverage her big-match temperament.
The match ignited immediately. Sindhu grabbed an early edge, but Han’s flat drives and jump smashes leveled it. Trailing 17-21 in the opener, Sindhu reset mentally for game two. She unleashed a barrage, reaching 19-18, only for Han’s precision to prevail.
Stats tell the tale: Han dominated net points (12-8) and boasted fewer errors. Sindhu’s 65% shuttle accuracy couldn’t overcome the Chinese shuttler’s 72%. Fatigue from a grueling week likely played a role, as Sindhu logged more court time.
Reflecting on the loss, Sindhu praised her opponent’s form. ‘She was on fire, and I respect that. Back to training tomorrow.’ Her camp eyes the Asian leg of the BWF calendar, targeting peak fitness for Paris Olympics qualifiers.
Han’s march continues, her semifinal win boosting her ranking prospects. For badminton-mad India, Sindhu’s exit stings, but stars like Priyanshu Rajawat offer hope. The sport’s global stage demands evolution, and Sindhu’s legacy inspires the next generation to rise.