It was a test of both nerves and stamina for both the players, with a pulsating game of 76 minutes ending in Sindhu's favour. The tall Sindhu was quick on her feet, and kept churning out smashes towards Li. The Canadian gave Sindhu a fight, but couldn't extend her lead after having won the first game.
Sindhu now heads into the Round of 16.
Sindhu advances to Round 16.
21-17 to Sindhu! Smashes down the middle to seal the game.
The crowd is vociferously behind India.
1 game point saved by Li.
Hanging in there by thread, is Li. Makes it 20-17.
4 match points for Sindhu.
20-16! Sindhu taps it gently over the net. Li makes a desperate dive, can't hit it back.
Li is closing in the gap.
19-16. Another smash from Li, directed right into Sindhu, who can't deflect it back.
19-15. Jump smash from Li. Nails it to precision.
19-14. Deft play near the net from both players, ends with Sindhu deflecting one wide.
19-13! Another smash, another point for Sindhu!
18-13. Good play from Li. Drives it into Sindhu, attacking her backhand.
Lovely drop from Li. Gets a point back. 18-12.
18-11 for India! Li tries to delicately tap it across. Finds her own net.
17-11! Li smashes the shuttle wide. Another long rally ends in India's favour.
16-11! Wonderful rally, good attacking play from both the players.
15-11! What a smashing game by Sindhu. Left, and then right. Li has no answers.
This crowd is right behind the Indian at the moment. Brilliant atmosphere.
Another smash by Sindhu, Li misses it altogether. 14-11!
Sindhu directs a smash right into Li's body, and she can't parry it back. 13-11 for the Indian.
Measured play by Li, Sindhu looks to be under pressure.
Sindhu hits it long. The difference is back to one, again.
A mixed day for the Indian badminton contingent at Rio comes to an end. India's biggest hope of a medal, Saina Nehwal, lost to 61st ranked Maria Ulitina, although Kidambi Srikanth, and now Pusarla Sindhu, advanced to their respective round of 16s.