P.V. Sindhu's departure from the World Badminton Championships has ignited debate following her loss to China's Wang Zhi Yi, where Sindhu raised concerns about Wang's recurring cramps potentially being a tactic to disrupt her play. Despite mounting a strong fightback, Sindhu was ultimately defeated in a tight three-game encounter, extinguishing India's prospects for a women's singles medal. While Wang maintained her injuries were genuine, Sindhu reflected on the need for enhanced patience and focus during critical moments of future matches. The outcome also halted Sindhu's previously undefeated streak against Chinese players at this prestigious tournament.

P.V. Sindhu's departure from the World Badminton Championships has ignited debate following her loss to China's Wang Zhi Yi, where Sindhu raised concerns about Wang's recurring cramps potentially being a tactic to disrupt her play. Despite mounting a strong fightback, Sindhu was ultimately defeated in a tight three-game encounter, extinguishing India's prospects for a women's singles medal. While Wang maintained her injuries were genuine, Sindhu reflected on the need for enhanced patience and focus during critical moments of future matches. The outcome also halted Sindhu's previously undefeated streak against Chinese players at this prestigious tournament.

P.V. Sindhu's departure from the World Badminton Championships has ignited debate following her loss to China's Wang Zhi Yi, where Sindhu raised concerns about Wang's recurring cramps potentially being a tactic to disrupt her play. Despite mounting a strong fightback, Sindhu was ultimately defeated in a tight three-game encounter, extinguishing India's prospects for a women's singles medal. While Wang maintained her injuries were genuine, Sindhu reflected on the need for enhanced patience and focus during critical moments of future matches. The outcome also halted Sindhu's previously undefeated streak against Chinese players at this prestigious tournament.

Chinese shuttler and World No. 3 Wang Zhi Yi’s win against P.V. Sindhu at the World Championships has sparked controversy on Thursday. Sindhu was not happy with her opponent's recurring mid-match cramps, which disturbed her momentum. Sindhu ultimately lost the match 11-21, 21-15, 17-21.

India’s two-time world champion, made a strong fightback after losing the opening game but could not sustain the momentum in the decider. Wang kept her composure in the closing stages to seal a hard-fought victory and advance to the semifinals.

The Indian had been chasing a sixth medal at the prestigious championships, having previously won gold in 2019, silver in 2017 and 2018, and bronze in 2013 and 2014. Her exit also brings an end to India's hopes of a women's singles medal at the championships. 

The two faced each other in the Round of 16 of the World Badminton Championships in New Delhi on Thursday. In the third and deciding game, Sindhu managed to extend her advantage to 13-10, but Wang once again fought back. A body smash, followed by a wide shot from Sindhu, put Wang ahead. Another error from the Indian, this time into the net, handed Wang five straight points.

A down-the-line smash from Sindhu finally ended the run, making it 15-15. Wang then went long, allowing Sindhu to regain the lead at 16-15 after another missed sideline.

Sindhu hit wide on the next point, and while chasing the shuttle, Wang fell flat and immediately clutched her thigh after appearing to suffer a cramp. Following a medical timeout, Wang returned to action with the score level at 16-16.

Sindhu's net error was cancelled out by a misjudgement from Wang at the sideline.

A smash put Wang ahead 18-17. Another excruciating 54-shot rally followed, ending with Sindhu going long. Wang, however, was now clutching her right thigh.

Sindhu then smashed into the net to hand Wang three match points. The Chinese player let out a scream before collapsing on the court after winning the next point. 

Sindhu’s stance on the incident

"I don't know if she had an injury or what, maybe that was her tactics and her way of doing it… Maybe that is her way of game style or that is her way of strategy, but for me it is just that I need to focus and play every point and focus on every point," Sindhu told the media after the match.

She addressed the need for her to have more patience in future tournaments: “I should have converted that into a win is what I said because I mean they were long rallies. It was a good match and I think 17-17 at that point, every point matters. And I should have been a little more patient is what I felt.”

"I have to be focused and I was, but again each point matters, right? At that point, even if she takes a break or not, if she is injured or not, you never know,” she further reiterated on the need for her to remain focused.

Wang Zhi Yi's response

She told the media that her cramps were genuine, saying: “I understand she [Sindhu] might have thought it at that moment but I was really injured that time.”

"It was such a tough match today. She is a very strong opponent, she has a fast attack. My game plan worked and I am proud of my performance today,” she further said.

Sindhu’s exit broke her undefeated record against Chinese players in the World Championships. The five-time World Championships medallist Sindhu, who has two bronze, two silver, and a gold to her name, hoped of winning an unprecedented sixth medal; however, she told reporters that she will continue to chase the dream of winning a sixth World Championships medal.

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