PV Sindhu finds positives in Malaysia Masters runner-up finish
NEW DELHI: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu has expressed optimism and confidence despite her narrow defeat in the Malaysia Masters final to China’s Wang Zhi Yi. In a gripping 79-minute contest in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, Sindhu initially appeared poised for victory with a commanding 11-3 lead in the decisive third game. However, a stunning comeback by Wang saw Sindhu ultimately fall 21-16, 5-21, 16-21.
“It’s sad that I didn’t get the result that I had expected. I should have pulled it off, maintaining the lead (in the decider), but there were really good rallies and she (Wang) also came back,” said Sindhu, currently ranked 15th in the world. Reflecting on her performance, she added, “Overall, I can say that it’s been a very good match. It’s a bit disappointing, but a lot of positives to take from this match and the whole tournament as well.”
This was Sindhu’s first finals appearance since the Madrid Spain Masters in 2023. Training at the Prakash Padukone Academy in Hyderabad, she expressed satisfaction at reaching this stage in the tournament.
Sindhu’s last major triumphs came in 2022 when she won the Singapore Open and secured a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. However, a stress fracture in her left ankle sidelined her for nearly six months, delaying her return to competition until February last year.
Despite the setback in Malaysia, Sindhu remains focused on her goal of securing a third Olympic medal at the Paris Games. “I am happy that I at least came to the finals, I played well. These matches will definitely give me a lot of confidence, but I could have won that. It’s just not one of those days,” she said, maintaining a positive outlook on her journey ahead.
