PV Sindhu’s struggles to finish close contests resurfaced at the China Open Super 1000 on Thursday as she squandered four match points before suffering a 21-16, 20-22, 18-21 defeat to China’s Chen Yufei. The Indian shuttler appeared on course for a memorable victory after claiming the opening game and building a commanding lead in the second. However, missed opportunities, a few costly line-call decisions and signs of fatigue allowed the home favourite to stage a remarkable comeback.
Competing in her seventh match in 10 days after lifting the Japan Open title last week, Sindhu delivered an impressive performance against the Olympic champion. She even held a 15-13 advantage in the deciding game, but Yufei, backed by the home crowd, regained momentum after surviving the second game and eventually sealed the win.
Sindhu dictated much of the match with her aggressive attacking game, but her trademark smashes gradually lost their sting as the contest wore on. Yufei took advantage by pushing the Indian deep into the court, forcing attacking shots that increasingly lacked power and precision. The defeat once again highlighted Sindhu’s difficulty in closing out crucial moments despite showing encouraging movement and attacking intent under coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama.
Sindhu made a slow start in the opening game, trailing 6-12 at the mid-game interval. Following tactical advice from her coach, she shifted away from all-out attack and relied on sharp cross-court rallies that repeatedly forced Yufei to cover the court. The change in strategy paid off as Yufei began making unforced errors. A gruelling 44-shot rally proved to be the turning point, with Sindhu finishing the exchange with a body smash before levelling the scores at 16-16 and taking complete control.
Winning 15 of the last 19 points, Sindhu wrapped up the opening game with a powerful smash and a delicate drop shot. She carried the momentum into the second game, producing an aggressive display featuring body smashes, steep winners and sharp net play to race to a 20-16 lead, leaving her just one point away from victory.
However, the contest turned dramatically from there. Yufei saved the first match point after a marathon 37-shot rally and then reeled off six consecutive points. Sindhu also misjudged a shuttle that landed inside the baseline, a sign of the physical and mental fatigue that had begun to affect her game.
Yufei’s resilience proved decisive as she forced the match into a decider before completing the comeback to secure her place in the next round.
