India's campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, came to an end as PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy bowed out in the pre-quarterfinals of their respective events. Both Sindhu and Prannoy faced formidable opponents, with Sindhu falling to Han Yue of China and Prannoy succumbing to Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei.
A battle hard-fought for an hour and 9 minutes but, it wasn’t to be for Sindhu this time.
📸: @badmintonphoto#BAC2024 #IndiaontheRise#Badminton pic.twitter.com/9rvXYUYg1q— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 11, 2024
PV Sindhu's Battle with Han Yue
In a hard-fought match lasting over an hour, PV Sindhu, aiming to regain her form ahead of the Paris Olympics, displayed resilience but eventually lost to sixth seed Han Yue. It was a close encounter that saw Sindhu taking the lead initially, only to be outplayed by Yue's strategic play and consistency. Despite Sindhu's efforts to rally back, Yue maintained control to clinch the victory.
HS Prannoy's Encounter with Lin Chun-Yi
On the other hand, HS Prannoy faced a tough challenge against Lin Chun-Yi, who dominated the match with swift drop shots and powerful smashes. Prannoy struggled to find his rhythm, allowing Chun-Yi to capitalize on the momentum and secure a convincing win.
Match Details
Sindhu vs. Yue: A Game of Momentum Swings
Sindhu started strongly in the first game, showcasing her experience to build a lead. However, Yue's resilience turned the tide as Sindhu's errors crept in. The Chinese shuttler controlled the rallies, seizing the first game advantage. Undeterred, Sindhu fought back aggressively in the second game, leveling the match. Despite a promising start in the decider, Sindhu couldn't sustain her momentum, and Yue's focused play sealed the match.
Prannoy vs. Chun-Yi: Struggles and Resilience
Prannoy faced an uphill battle from the outset, with Chun-Yi's strategic play pushing him on the defensive. Although Prannoy displayed flashes of brilliance to equalize in the first game, Chun-Yi's consistency proved too much to handle. In the second game, Chun-Yi maintained control, securing a convincing victory over Prannoy.
Looking Ahead: Thomas and Uber Cup
The Indian badminton contingent will now shift their focus to the upcoming Thomas and Uber Cup, scheduled to be held in Chengdu, China, from April 28 to May 5. With the aim of regrouping and refining their strategies, the Indian shuttlers will prepare to deliver strong performances at the prestigious team event.
Despite the challenges faced at the Badminton Asia Championships, Indian shuttlers remain determined to bounce back and make their mark on the international badminton stage in the forthcoming tournaments.
Inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
