BWF World Championships: PV Sindhu reaches Round of 16 for first time in 4 years

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the pre-quarterfinals of the Badminton World Championships in Paris on Wednesday, 27 August. Sindhu, seeded 15th, defeated World No. 40 Karupathevan Letshanaa of Malaysia 21-19, 21-15 in 43 minutes at the Adidas Arena.

With the victory, Sindhu reached the third round of the World Championships for the first time since her quarter-final finish in 2021. The 2019 champion has suffered second-round exits in both 2022 and 2023.

Sindhu faces a stern test in the next round as she is slated to meet World No. 2 and reigning China Open champion Wang Zhi Yi.

Wednesday’s win followed a similar script to her opening-round triumph over World No. 69 Kaloyana Nalbantova of Bulgaria. On that occasion, Sindhu overcame a slow start before wrapping up proceedings in straight games. She saved two game points in the opener against Nalbantova before cruising to a dominant 21-6 win in the second game on Tuesday.

Against Letshanaa, Sindhu once again had to fight back from a sluggish start. The Indian trailed 3-9 and then 12-18 in the opening game against her Malaysian opponent, whom she was facing for the first time in her career. The five-time World Championships medallist then stitched together a run of six straight points before converting her first game point. Sindhu appeared far more assured in the second game, controlling rallies and dictating the pace.

Letshanaa, 22, will be disappointed after failing to capitalise on the early pressure she managed to exert on Sindhu with her aggressive style of play in the opening game. Although she fought back gamely and attempted to keep pace in the second, the young Malaysian could not force a decider.

More to follow.