Sindhu Secures Landmark Victory at China Open
In a performance that combined grit, strategic intelligence, and raw emotion, Indian badminton star PV Sindhu secured her most significant win of the year on Wednesday, stunning world No. 6 Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan in the first round of the China Open Super 1000. The hard-fought 21-15, 8-21, 21-17 victory was a much-needed boost for the veteran, marking her first win against a top-10 opponent since October of last year.
Battle of Generations and Styles
The match was seen as a major test for Sindhu, who has spoken openly about the challenges of competing against the next generation of players. The modern women’s singles game, dominated by long, patient rallies, has tested the endurance of the 30-year-old star. In her only previous encounter with the 18-year-old Miyazaki at the 2024 Swiss Open, Sindhu was edged out in a grueling 79-minute contest.
This time, however, Sindhu came prepared. She started the first game with impressive control, building a solid lead by keeping the shuttle in play and forcing errors from her younger opponent. Her tactical awareness was on full display as she capitalized on Miyazaki’s mistakes to comfortably take the opening game.
Tactical Masterclass
The second game saw a shift in momentum. Miyazaki found her rhythm, and her speed and aggressive play helped her build a commanding lead. Recognizing the changing tide, Sindhu made a crucial strategic decision: she chose to conserve her energy for the deciding third game. This move proved to be a masterstroke, especially given her recent tendency to run out of steam in long matches.
Entering the final game recharged, Sindhu raced to a 5-1 lead, punctuating her winners with determined roars. She showcased her vintage defensive skills, retrieving smashes and controlling the net to build an 11-2 advantage at the final change of ends. Although Miyazaki mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap and creating a few nervy moments, Sindhu held her composure. She steadied herself, raised her intensity, and closed out the match in 62 minutes, letting out a roar of pure relief.
A "Much-Awaited" Win
"It was a much-awaited win for me," Sindhu said. "I need to win these matches so that it will also give me a morale boost and also that confidence. I need to keep this going. I have been coming close and losing in three games. (Today) I was patient enough to keep the shuttle in play and made fewer errors. I think that’s what I’m satisfied about. ”
For Sindhu, this victory is more than just a single result. After a season of frustratingly close three-game losses against top players, this win is a powerful statement. It demonstrates that she still possesses the fight, the skill, and the mental fortitude to defeat the very best in the world, reaffirming her status as a formidable force in women’s badminton.
