BWF World Championships: PV Sindhu rediscovers vintage touch, stuns World No. 2

PV Sindhu proved she is far from finished with a performance for the ages in Paris on Thursday, 28 August. The 30-year-old rediscovered her vintage touch as she dismantled World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi, one of the season’s most consistent shuttlers, in straight games. With a commanding 21-17, 21-15 victory, Sindhu advanced to the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships for the first time since 2019.

Sindhu displayed flashes of the form that had taken her to an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo and a World Championship gold in 2019, attacking with relentless aggression. Neither the numbers nor the pre-match chatter mattered as Sindhu entered the zone, her triumphant roars telling the story.

She roared in delight as she conquered what many had deemed an impossible challenge. Warming up for the big-ticket contest on Court 2 at the Adidas Arena, even the on-air commentators doubted her chances, suggesting she might not be able to overcome Wang, who has enjoyed a sensational season on tour, winning the China Open and reaching as many as six finals.

On paper and in current form, Sindhu was the underdog on Thursday. The Indian star had endured a string of first-round exits, with her ability to challenge the very best openly questioned.

Yet Sindhu reminded the world why she remains a force on the grandest stages. The five-time World Championship medallist returned to her attacking best, leaving Wang unsettled throughout the 48-minute encounter.

Sindhu will next face ninth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in the quarterfinal.

DHRUV AND TANISHA PROGRESS

Earlier in the day, mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto upset 5th seeds Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 to reach the quarterfinal.

More to follow.