Kuala Lumpur buzzed with anticipation as India’s badminton star PV Sindhu stepped onto the court for the women’s singles semifinal at the Malaysia Open Super 750. But dreams of another title shattered against China’s formidable Han Yue. In a match that lasted 48 minutes, Sindhu fell 17-21, 19-21, marking an early exit from the prestigious tournament.
Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist, entered the semifinal riding high on momentum from her quarterfinal victory. The 29-year-old had looked sharp, dismantling her opponents with precision smashes and deft net play. Fans hoped for a repeat performance against the world No. 12 Han, who had quietly climbed the brackets with consistent aggression.
The first game saw Sindhu surge ahead early, leading 8-5 at the changeover. Her footwork dazzled, forcing errors from Han. But the Chinese shuttler mounted a comeback, using powerful clears to push Sindhu back. At 17-17, the momentum shifted decisively. Han’s relentless pressure clinched the game 21-17.
Game two mirrored the tension. Sindhu fought valiantly, saving multiple game points and even leading 19-18. Yet Han’s composure under fire proved decisive. A crucial smash and unforced error from Sindhu handed the victory to the Chinese player. The scoreboard read 21-19, ending Sindhu’s campaign.
Post-match, Sindhu acknowledged the tough competition. ‘Han played exceptionally well today. I gave my all, but it wasn’t enough,’ she said. This loss comes amid a mixed season for Sindhu, who has battled injuries and form dips. Her team now focuses on recovery ahead of upcoming BWF events.
Han Yue advances to face either An Seyoung or Tai Tzu-ying in the final, positioning herself for a career breakthrough. For Indian badminton, the focus shifts to other stars like Lakshya Sen, who continues his strong run in men’s singles. Sindhu’s exit underscores the cutthroat nature of elite badminton, where one match can define a tournament.