Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

News | BWF World Championships

PV Sindhu, the dynamic badminton player known for her powerful attacks, continues to make waves at the Li-Ning BWF World Championships. In a stunning upset, she defeated the second-seeded Wang Shixian of China, securing a spot in the semi-finals. This victory not only marked the biggest upset of the tournament but also the longest Women’s Singles match.

Sindhu’s relentless determination was on full display as she fought back from a game and 12-15 deficit to emerge victorious after an exhausting 85-minute battle. Her remarkable comeback followed a thrilling win against the sixth-seeded Bae Yeon Ju the day before, where Sindhu saved three match points.

With her lethal combination of steep smashes and exceptional reach, Sindhu has been in top form lately, having previously beaten Wang three times. Speaking about her performance, she mentioned that her coach, Pulella Gopichand, always believed in her ability to win. Sindhu is determined to go further than her bronze medal achievement from last year’s tournament and is aiming for the coveted title.

In another notable match, Li Xuerui, the top-seeded Olympic champion, defeated Saina Nehwal, another prominent Indian player. Li’s skillful stroke play proved too much for Nehwal’s strategic game. Li later remarked that placing restrictions on the player quota for each nation, as advocated by Nehwal, would be unfair to China.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Badminton Pan America

Next, Li will face Minatsu Mitani of Japan, who has also delivered surprising performances throughout the tournament. Mitani’s perseverance was evident in her hard-fought victory over the fifth-seeded Korean Sung Ji Hyun. Despite being 14-18 down in the decider, Mitani refused to give up and ultimately emerged victorious.

These exhilarating women’s matches have captivated spectators, including Chen Long, the men’s second seed, who wholeheartedly cheered on his girlfriend, Wang Shixian, during her intense battle. Chen himself endured a grueling 86-minute match against Son Wan Ho, a crafty Korean opponent. Although Son threatened to win, Chen remained patient and ultimately secured the victory.

Chen’s upcoming opponent, Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia, also displayed resilience in his match against Eric Pang of the Netherlands. Sugiarto, following in the footsteps of his World champion father, demonstrated remarkable composure despite the fierce competition.

In the Women’s Doubles category, defending champions Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli showcased their dominance with another impressive win against their Chinese compatriots Luo Ying and Luo Yu. They are confident in their ability to reclaim the title on Sunday. Additionally, the Olympic golden girls Tian Qing and Zhao Yunlei from China, as well as Japan’s Reika Kakiiwa and Miyuki Maeda, are still in the running.

In the Men’s Doubles category, Korea has a strong presence, with two pairs already securing a spot in the semi-finals. Ko Sung Hyun/Shin Baek Choel and Kim Ki Jung/Kim Sa Rang both performed exceptionally well. There is also the possibility of a third Korean pair, Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong, reaching the semi-finals as they are scheduled to play later tonight.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News