PV Sindhu exits Malaysia Open after semifinal loss to Wang Zhiyi
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PV Sindhu’s campaign at the season-opening Malaysia Open Super 1000 ended on Saturday after she lost in straight games to China’s Wang Zhiyi in the women’s singles semifinals.
The two-time Olympic medallist went down 16-21, 15-21 to the world number two, bringing an end to India’s challenge in the tournament.
Playing her first competition since returning from a foot injury that had kept her out since October last year, Sindhu struggled to sustain momentum and committed several unforced errors at key moments. She also failed to capitalise on an 11-6 lead in the second game.
Sindhu began strongly, using her reach and power to take an early lead in the opening game. She raced ahead 5-2 with sharp cross-court smashes before Wang recovered to edge ahead at the interval. With the scores level at 13-13 after the restart, Wang increased the pressure and closed out the game as Sindhu pushed a shot wide.
In the second game, Sindhu recovered from an early deficit to lead 11-6 at the break. Wang responded with sustained attacking play, capitalising on errors from Sindhu to draw level and then pull away. Wang earned five match points after Sindhu missed the backline and sealed the win when another shot went wide, booking her place in the final.