Sindhu Falters in Decider, Finishes Runner-Up at Malaysia Masters

PV Sindhu’s dream run at the 2024 Malaysia Masters ended in heartbreak as she lost the final to China’s Wang Zhi Yi 21-16, 5-21, 16-21. This defeat marked a missed opportunity for Sindhu, who was aiming for her first BWF World Tour title in over a year.

Road to Final

Despite a challenging comeback from injury earlier this year, Sindhu showcased promising progress in Malaysia. Prior to the final, she had reached only two quarterfinals in six tournaments. However, the fatigue from playing an additional 88 minutes in her semifinal win compared to Wang seemed to play a role in the final outcome.

The Start

The opening game started brightly for Sindhu. She displayed excellent court coverage, countering Wang’s strokes with aggression, especially targeting her opponent’s body. This strategy proved effective, giving Sindhu a comfortable 11-9 lead and eventually securing the first game 21-16.

Also Read: The Legacy of PV Sindhu: Undermining the Badminton World

The Comeback

However, the second game witnessed a dramatic shift. Sindhu struggled with the court’s drift, causing her trademark smashes to go wide. Wang capitalized on these errors, dominating the game with a commanding 11-3 lead at the interval. Sindhu’s resistance crumbled, resulting in a lopsided 5-21 defeat.

The Decider

The decider offered a glimmer of hope for Sindhu as she returned to her favored side of the court. Aggressive play combined with her height advantage initially gave her an 11-3 lead. Unfortunately, fatigue from the week’s exertion appeared to catch up with her. Wang capitalized on this, winning a string of points and forcing errors from Sindhu. The momentum shifted decisively in Wang’s favor, and she closed out the game 21-16, securing the championship.

Also Read: Do you know what are the five best shot in badminton?

The Result

Although the loss stings, Sindhu’s performance at the Malaysia Masters represents a significant step forward. Reaching her first final in over a year and showcasing glimpses of her peak form are positive signs leading into the Paris Olympics just a few months away.