Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was eliminated after falling to Canada’s Michelle Li in the pre-quarter-finals of the Japan Masters Super 500 tournament on Thursday.
The world’s 20th-ranked player lost to Li, who is ranked 23rd, in a challenging three-game contest that concluded 21-17, 16-21, 17-21 in favor of the Canadian after one hour and 15 minutes of intense competition.
Sindhu began powerfully, clinching the initial game 21-17. Both competitors showcased remarkable control and accuracy, but Sindhu succeeded in gaining the upper hand, utilizing her offensive strategy to establish a lead prior to the break.
Following the break, she persisted, clinching the first game on her fourth chance at game-point.
In the second game, though, Li responded with exceptional speed and shot choice, taking charge of the rallies and building momentum to tie the match at 21-16.
Her strategic changes disturbed Sindhu’s flow and prepared the ground for a crucial third match.
Nonetheless, her rival’s unwavering determination aided her in making a comeback, and she pulled ahead towards the end of the match to clinch a 21-17 win.
This signifies just the third occasion Li has triumphed over Sindhu in their 13 encounters. The early exit from the tournament has extended Sindhu’s wait to secure her first title since the Singapore Open in 2022, prolonging her 24-month dry spell.
Her defeat signifies the conclusion of India’s journey in the tournament.
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PV Sindhu has been on a continuous slide in the world of badminton and she has dropped to as low as 20th in World rankings. She needs to get back to her A game to survive at the highest level very quickly otherwise she will become a thing of past very soon….
