World number 20 PV Sindhu decisively overcame Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who is currently ranked 11th, showcasing her prowess on the court.© AFP
In an exciting turn of events at the Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 tournament on Wednesday, double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced smoothly into the pre-quarterfinals. She dominated the first-round match against Thailand’s Ongbamrungphan, winning with a score of 21-12, 21-18 in a brisk 38 minutes. Following this impressive performance, Sindhu is set to face Canada’s Michelle Li in her next match.
Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen, unfortunately, faced an early exit in the men’s singles category. After securing an initial game lead, he ultimately succumbed to Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao in a tightly contested round of 32 clash, with scores of 22-20, 17-21, 16-21.
Though Sen began strong and held a slim advantage in the deciding game, Hao quickly took charge. As they battled fiercely with the score at 17-16, Hao displayed remarkable skill and determination, clinching the last five points in succession to seal his victory.
On the other hand, Sindhu initially started the match sluggishly, falling behind 1-5. However, displaying resilience, the Indian shuttler regained her focus, using a series of clever drop shots to turn the tide in her favor and earn a narrow 11-10 lead at the break.
Capitalizing on this momentum, Sindhu continued to expand her lead, as Busanan faltered and committed a series of unforced errors. With laser focus, Sindhu won seven consecutive points, culminating the first game with a powerful cross-court half smash that left her opponent scrambling.
She entered the second game with renewed vigor, quickly racing to a 4-0 lead before the Thai competitor could register her first point. Dominating the play, Sindhu confidently seized 11 of the last 12 points, wrapping up the match with remarkable ease.
With this win, Sindhu not only advanced in the tournament but also solidified her commanding head-to-head record over Ongbamrungphan, now standing at an impressive 19-1. With Sen’s elimination, Sindhu remains the sole Indian contestant in the tournament. The women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also faced a first-round exit on Tuesday, further highlighting the challenges faced by the Indian team.
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**Interview with PV Sindhu: Reaction to Her Dominating Win at the Kumamoto Masters**
**Interviewer:** PV, congratulations on your impressive victory against Busanan Ongbamrungphan! How does it feel to advance smoothly into the pre-quarterfinals?
**PV Sindhu:** Thank you! It feels great to have performed well in the first round. I focused on my strategy and executing my game plan, which helped me maintain control throughout the match.
**Interviewer:** You won with scores of 21-12 and 21-18 in just 38 minutes. What aspects of your game do you think were most effective today?
**PV Sindhu:** I think my aggressive play at the net and my solid defense really made a difference. I was able to apply pressure on her early, and I tried to capitalize on any openings. Staying composed under pressure was also key, especially in the second game when it tightened up.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, you’ll be facing Michelle Li from Canada next. What are your thoughts on that matchup?
**PV Sindhu:** Michelle is a strong player, and I’ve faced her before. I’m looking to prepare well and adjust my game accordingly. I know it will be a tough match, but I’m feeling confident.
**Interviewer:** It’s exciting to see you back in form, especially following your Olympic success. What has your training regimen looked like leading up to this tournament?
**PV Sindhu:** My training has been intense but focused. I’ve been working on my fitness, shot selection, and mental resilience. It’s crucial to stay sharp in such competitive tournaments, and I’m committed to improving with each match.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you stay motivated amidst the highs and lows of competitive sports?
**PV Sindhu:** I always remind myself why I started playing badminton in the first place. The love for the sport and the support from fans fuel my passion. Every match is an opportunity for improvement and to give my best, and that motivates me each day.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, PV, for sharing your insights. We wish you the best in your upcoming matches!
**PV Sindhu:** Thank you! I appreciate your support!