World Championships: Tougher tests await PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu

August 7 was quite a favourable day for Indian badminton at the World Championships. Indian star Saina Nehwal won her first encounter while young badminton sensation PV Sindhu grinded out a hard-fought 21-19, 19-21, 21-17 win over Kaori Imabeppu of Japan in.

Tenth seed Sindhu was made to work hard against the unseeded Kaori, in what was one of the longest matches of the day. The Indian took a close first set 21-19. Undeterred, Kaori fought back and won second set 21-19.

However, Sindhu’s class ultimately prevailed and she took the third game, 21-17 to wrap up the match in one hour and 11 minutes. Sindhu had beaten Kaori last year at the Japan Open.

The 18-year-old, who got a bye in round one, will come up against second seed and defending champions Wang Yihan of China in round three, and coach Pullela Gopichand will have to work hard to ensure Sindhu is on the top of her game.

Sindhu began training for the tournament two weeks in advance and worked on her stamina and mental conditioning and is aware that the task on her hands isn’t an easy one.

Earlier this year, Sindhu claimed that she understood Wang’s style of play and could run her close. However, dropping a set against an unseeded player is hardly ideal preparation for the match against a world champion.

Sindhu is capable of performing miracles on the court and she has done so in the past. An extremely dedicated and hard-working athlete, she has all the essentials to progress. And keeping the upcoming prestigious Indian Badminton League in mind, Sindhu must realise that she is now an idol for many young players.

And while she has cleared her first hurdle but tougher tests await.