Olympic medalist P.V.Sindhu won her maiden Singapore Open title defeating Wang Zhi Yi of China in the finals on Sunday.
The 27-year-old from Hyderabad came into the match with a 1-0 lead over Wang, having beaten the Chinese player in their only meeting at the All England Championships this year. The final scoreline read 21-9 11-21 21-15 in the Indian's favour.
Sindhu produced another fine display to grab her third world tour title of the season.
Toss played a major role in the match with drift in the hall making life difficult for the shuttlers. Wang's decision to choose the side put her in an advantageous position as she played against the drift after the final change of ends.
However, Sindhu managed to limit the errors and keep her nerves to emerge victorious in the end.
After losing the first two points, Sindhu used her reach to get the shuttle early, played some superb angled returns, and produced one winner after another to stay ahead all the way in the opening game. Playing against the drift allowed the Indian to go for her shots even as Wang hit wide and long. Sindhu gathered 11 straight points on the trot to zoom into the mid-game interval at 11-2.
The second game, however, turned into a forgettable affair for Sindhu as Wang, now on the better side of the court, displayed her prowess.
The Chinese was soon up 11-3 after Sindhu repeatedly sent the shuttle long. At 8-15, Sindhu failed to dispose off a weak return with her opponent on the floor. In the end, a jump smash helped Wang grab a massive 10 game points and she converted it in her second attempt to make a roaring comeback.
The match came alive in the decider as the duo played some long rallies.
The Indian grabbed a five-point advantage at the interval after producing another superb cross-court smash from a deep forehand corner. Back to the better side after the final change in ends, Wang reduced the deficit to 11-12 with Sindhu committing errors.
However, an alert Sindhu produced an attacking return on her rivals' forehand to move to 18-14 before Wang sent one to the net.
Just two points away, Sindhu hit long before unleashing a smash to finish an intense rally and grab five match points. Wang hit wide as Sindhu threw her arms to the air in celebration.
The title run will be a big boost for Sindhu, who will be leading the India's charge at the Commonwealth Games, starting July 28 in Birmingham. This was her third title of the season -- having won two Super 300 crowns in Syed Modi International and Swiss Open -- and an addition to her brimming cabinet which has a gold, two silver, and as many bronze medals from the World Championships besides two Olympic medals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur congratulated her on the win. Prime Minister tweeted, “I congratulate @Pvsindhu1 on winning her first ever Singapore Open title. She has yet again demonstrated her exceptional sporting talent and achieved success. It is a proud moment for the country and will also give inspiration to upcoming players.”
(With inputs from PTI)
