PV Sindhu knocked out of Thailand Open 2021, India’s women’s singles campaign ends

Although the start of the 2021 Badminton calendar was an exciting prospect for the Indian fans, the ouster of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu from the tournament must be a sour lemon for the fans. While Nehwal tested positive for COVID-19 before she could warm-up for her first-round match, PV Sindhu, who competed, was sent packing by Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt.

In a match that lasted an hour and 14 minutes, Sindhu did manage to pocket the opening game 21-16 but faced resistance in the second and third game, before bowing out of the tournament.

In the second game, Sindhu enjoyed a slender lead throughout. However, a moment of inspiration from the opponent at the end of the game took the tie away from the Indian. After recording three consecutive points, it was only a matter of time that Blichfeldt ran away with the game.

The third game was over before it started as Sindhu looked out of sorts and could not counter the dominating play displayed by the Danish.

In the decider, Blichfeldt carried on the momentum of the second game and opened up a sizable 11-6 lead at the break. She kept exerting pressure on the Indian, moving to a 14-8 advantage.

Sindhu eventually handed a seven match-point advantage to Blichfeldt after finding the net and then hit wide as the Danish shuttler celebrated.

No coaches, managers or other personnel are allowed to attend the matches of the Indian players after Saina and HS Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

The loss ended India’s campaign in women’s singles.