PV Sindhu's win over Hong Kong's Cheung takes her to knockout round

India's B Sai Praneeth will take on Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands in his final Group D men's singles match later today.
Tokyo: India's Pusarla V. Sindhu in action in the womens singles badminton match against Hong Kong China's Ngan Yi Cheung, at the Summer Olympics 2020, in Tokyo, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Sindhu won the match 21-9, 21-16. (PTI)
Tokyo: India's Pusarla V. Sindhu in action in the womens singles badminton match against Hong Kong China's Ngan Yi Cheung, at the Summer Olympics 2020, in Tokyo, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Sindhu won the match 21-9, 21-16. (PTI)

India's badminton player PV Sindhu entered the women's singles Round of 16 at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 on Wednesday. The feat was achieved by overcoming world No. 34 Cheung Ngan Yi of Hong Kong 21-9, 21-16 in her final Group J tie. Rio Olympics silver medallist's better court coverage and her use of the angles was the key to her victory against the 28-year old Cheung, who lost her sixth consecutive career match to the tall Indian shuttler.

The sixth-seeded Sindhu raced to an 11-5 lead as Cheung fruitlessly tried to push the 26-year old Indian deep into the corners of the forehand backcourt, ending up pushing the shuttles long. Sindhu, giving almost nothing in the forecourt with superb netplay, soon wrapped up the first game 21-9.

Cheung fought back in the second game, moving Sindhu to the far backhand corner and taking to a 7-6 lead. But as the rallies grew longer, Sindhu's power came to her rescue several times. But Cheung's relentless onslaught kept her neck-and-neck with the Sindhu, who sent a few shuttles wide in trying to end long rallies. Cheung's deception continued to keep her in the match, but Sindhu played a superb down-the-line smash from almost the edge of the backhand corner to make it 15-14.

That charged up the Indian to move decisively ahead as she raised the intensity of her game to quickly set up six match points. Sindhu converted on the third, stepping into the net to smash her way to the top of her group and into the knockouts. Sindhu had defeated Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel 21-7, 21-10 in her opening group match on July 25.

India's B Sai Praneeth will take on Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands in his final Group D men's singles match later today. Praneeth is out of contention for the knockouts, having lost to Israel's Misha Zilberman in straight games in his first group match.

Your Gateway to Goa, India

The Gomantak Times app is the best way to stay informed on anything happening in Goa. From breaking news to the top 10 restaurants to visit, GT helps you navigate your time in Goa.

Download the Gomantak Times app on your Android or IOS device.

Related Stories

No stories found.
Gomantak Times
www.gomantaktimes.com