India, Jan 10 : Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu’s campaign at the season-opening Malaysia Open BWF World Tour Super 1000 ended on Saturday as she went down to China’s Wang Zhiyi 16-21, 15-21 in the women’s singles semifinals. The loss also concluded India’s challenge in the tournament.
Competing for the first time since returning from a foot injury that sidelined her since October 2025, Sindhu showed glimpses of her trademark power but struggled with consistency and unforced errors at key moments. In the second game, she let slip an 11-6 lead as Wang mounted a strong comeback.
Sindhu began positively, using her height and reach for sharp cross-court smashes to take a 5-2 lead in the first game. However, Wang responded with clever net play to level the scores and eventually surged ahead. The Indian star kept the match close until 13-13, but Wang raised the tempo, opening a lead that Sindhu could not overcome.
In the second game, Sindhu initially built an 11-6 advantage at the interval, forcing Wang into the corners. Yet, Wang gradually erased the deficit, capitalising on Sindhu’s errors, including missed backline shots, to claim victory and secure her spot in the final.
Despite the defeat, Sindhu’s semifinal performance marked a positive return post-injury, offering encouraging signs for her preparation and confidence ahead of the upcoming season.
Brief Score: P.V. Sindhu 16-21, 15-21 Wang Zhiyi – Women’s Singles Semifinal, Malaysia Open 2026.