Hong Kong Open: PV Sindhu Storms Into Semis

Olympic silver-medallist PV Sindhu yet again showed her finest defense as the shuttler emerged victory from her toughest fight of the year as she overturned a six-point deficit in the third and final game, and has entered the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open Super Series, knocked out Liang Xiayou of Singapore 21-17, 21-23, 21-18.

.@Pvsindhu1 enters into semifinals of Hong Kong Open Super Series badminton tournament. pic.twitter.com/DyER0yeSsQ

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 25, 2016

Though Sindhu started poor as she trailed 7-4 at the beginning of the first game. The Singapore shuttler were in an attacking mood, and it was appearing hard for the Indian badminton player to take that pressure down of her head.

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However, Sindhu remained contented and closed out the first game 21-17. But the next game wasn't easy - we saw a poor start for Sindhu as she trailed Xiayou 6-3 in the second one. As expected this time Sindhu lost. The last game was aggressive from both the sides but Sindhu raced ahead as the match neared the end and she brilliantly took the lead. The Singapore shuttler did'nt quite stand a chance and lost to Sindhu.

The Indian Badminton ace Sindhu took 78 minutes to knock out Xiayou.

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Interestingly, Saina Nehwal is facing off Cheung Ngan Yi in the other quarter-final later in the day. So if she makes it through the game, there is a chance that Sindhu would play against Saina in the all-Indian semi-final.

Whilst 2016 is emerging as a fabulous year for Sindhu, Saina is still recovering from her knee injury. Sindhu on the other hand, clinched her maiden superseries title and lifted the women’s singles trophy at the China Open Super Series Premier last week. Earlier in the year, she created history when she became the first Indian shuttler to clinch the silver medal in the Rio Olympics. Adding another big achievement in her shoulder, Sindhu for the first time in her career usurped Saina Nehwal in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings released on Thursday.

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While Sindhu stands as No.9, Saina‘s latest world ranking is No.11. If both Sindhu and Saina play in the semi-final of the Hong Kong Open on Saturday, then this will be their first meeting after two years. The only time Saina and Sindhu have played against each other was in the 2014 Indian Grand Prix, when Saina won with 21-14, 21-17.

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