PV Sindhu, who returned to competitive action after a four-month injury layoff, helped the Indian women's team defeat the People's Republic of China and advance to the quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 in Shah Alam, Malaysia, on Wednesday.
After winning their initial Group A match 4-1 against Hong Kong China, the Indian men's team clinched their place in the final eight at the Malaysia tournament. There are two distinct events in the badminton tournament: one for men and one for women. A team from each participating nation is in attendance. India won 3-2 over China in the women's Group W match. With only two teams in the group, India's victory secured their place in the quarterfinals.
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, upset world No. 8 Han Yue 21-17, 21-15 in the first rubber of the tie, giving India the lead. But Sindhu used her physicality in the opening singles fight to suggest that she was ready to reclaim her Top 10 status in the world.
P V Sindhu vs Han Yue
Han had a brilliant concept to keep things close and stretch Sindhu across the body on the backhand while dragging her on the wide flank defence. However, Sindhu's rapid drops—particularly her quick pushes—packed a serious blow. She was 11-8 up in no time at all on the shuttle, which had excellent speed and showed no signs of rust. Han was breathing rapidly from the exertions of the hurried retrievals Sindhu put on her, and she was surprisingly already on her haunches.
If Sindhu was locked on a straight pendulum, Han would then attempt to disrupt the rhythm by going cross, closing the gap to 12–13. However, Sindhu would produce some modified serves—a nice, subtle blend—and then some merciless force to quickly take the next 4 points.
In her comeback match, Sindhu gives #TeamIndia a crucial 1-0 lead 😍🔥
📸: @badmintonphoto #BATC2024#IndiaontheRise#Badminton pic.twitter.com/N2or0kras2— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) February 14, 2024
Smarter Game Plans by Sindhu
Throughout the game, Sindhu demonstrated a sound reaction to maintaining leads and trailing—a skill she hasn't always had when mental momentum swings cause havoc. However, Sindhu would quickly gather herself again as soon as Han began to close in on her leads. In those moments when Han pressed, Sindhu seemed to regain the confidence that she was more powerful than the majority of her opponents, which is so important to her strategy.
Sindhu pushed forward with the stomping lunge to fiercely defend her advantage after Han scored three consecutive points to cut the deficit to 15-16. Sindhu was flawless in the left front corner, switching between aggressive attempts and defence to cut the score to 18–15.
Despite Han nipping at her heels at 19–17, Sindhu won the opening set and the first point of the match. Most importantly, when Han forced her twist and twirl, she didn't let the below-the-tape bending defence get in the way. She appeared to be in charge of rallies, and despite her high defensive work rate, I never saw her fail when attacking.
Image Source: Badminton Association of India
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