PV Sindhu on Sunday lost her first final of 2024 when she was beaten by second seeded Wang Zhiyi of China in a nervy three-setter clash at the Women’s singles final of the Malaysia Masters 2024. Sindhu, who came as an underdog in the tournament, won the first game and took a 5-point lead in the deciding game to lose 21-16, 5-21, 16-21.
Electric start by PV Sindhu
Sindhu started the match on the front foot, taking the game to his Chinese opposition. The Indian shuttler’s play in front of the net and her composure along the baseline unnerved her Chinese opposition. Sindhu maintained a clear gap all along the first game and took the first game 21-16.
Wang Zhiyi makes comeback
However, Wang Zhiyi came back strongly in the second game and quickly opened up a 1-4 lead. Wang Zhiyi further consolidated her lead to 2-10 as Sindhu looked hapless in front of her spirited Chinese opponent. Wang Zhiyi maintained her onslaught as Sindhu found it hard to cope with her opponent’s attacking display. Wang Zhiyi dominated the game to win 5-21 eventually.
Sindhu concedes huge lead.
The game was evenly poised ahead of the third game with Wang Zhiyi having the momentum. The third game started in brisk fashion too, with Sindhu and Wang sharing a point apiece. However, Sindhu gained a 2 point lead courtesy of some good smashes as the momentum started shifting towards the Indian shuttler. The lead soon stretched to 5 points as Sindhu led 7-2. At the halfway stage, Sindhu let 11-3 with the match firmly in her graph. However, Wang Zhiyi reduced the gap to 13-13 as a number of unforced errors of Sindhu helped the Chinese shuttler to make a comeback. Wang Zhiyi promptly overtook Sindhu and opened up a five point lead.
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