LUCKNOW, Nov 30: Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu advanced to the women’s singles final at the Syed Modi International Super 300 badminton tournament, delivering a commanding straight-game victory against fellow Indian Unnati Hooda on Saturday.
As the top seed, Sindhu dominated the 17-year-old Hooda, securing a swift 21-12, 21-9 win in just 36 minutes during the semifinal match.
Hooda struggled to pose a challenge, making several unforced errors that allowed Sindhu to control the game effortlessly.
“I am pleased with my performance today. From the outset, I maintained a lead. I experimented with a few strokes, but overall, I felt confident in my play,” Sindhu stated post-match.
“I believe Unnati gave it her best, but I didn’t allow her any opportunities to surpass me. I led from start to finish. She is an emerging player, and I wish her all the best.”
“I must prepare diligently for tomorrow because it will not be easy. I aim to give my best right from the beginning,” she added.
The former world champion, currently ranked 18th, is set to compete against either Thailand’s Lalinrat Chaiwan or China’s Wu Luo Yu in the final, as she seeks her third Syed Modi International title.
Earlier, India’s mixed doubles team of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila progressed to the final with a decisive straight-game victory against China’s Zhi Hong Zhou and Jia Yi Yang.
The fifth-seeded Indian duo triumphed with a score of 21-16, 21-15 in the semifinals, taking 42 minutes. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between the Chinese pair of Pin Yi Liao and Ke Xin Huang, and Thailand’s sixth-seeded team of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran.
During the semifinal match, Sindhu gradually took control, establishing a 5-3 lead with a precise cross-court drop shot while Hooda initially held her ground with well-placed drops and pushes.
However, Hooda’s errors, especially in her lifts, allowed Sindhu to gain an 11-8 advantage at the break.
Hooda’s effort to remain competitive resulted in wide smashes and drops. Sindhu then extended her lead to 15-8, efficiently maintaining her advantage without reliance on her powerful baseline smashes.
Unforced errors continued to plague Hooda, enabling Sindhu to comfortably finish the first game.
After switching sides, Sindhu continued her dominant performance, racing to an 8-3 lead and further extending it to 11-4 at the interval.
Her aggressive strategy, which included powerful smashes and a quick drop shot, elevated her score to 18-7.
Despite Hooda saving one of Sindhu’s 12 match points, she ultimately succumbed to an error, awarding Sindhu the victory.
Reflecting on her performance, Sindhu remarked: “I am certainly satisfied with my progress. There is always room for improvement… it’s crucial to keep training, as every day brings new challenges.”
Regarding her recent struggles, including her performance at the Paris Olympics, Sindhu acknowledged, “I know Paris wasn’t great for me. I’ve done my best, but it’s time to come back stronger. I’m focusing on self-improvement.” Sindhu, who is currently training under coaches Anup Sridhar and Korea’s Lee Hyun-il, also discussed the need to adapt her fitness routine.
“Each athlete has a unique fitness approach. As you grow and develop, your movements must also improve. My training program has evolved significantly since my twenties, influenced by age, playing style, and movement patterns.” (PTI)
