Sindhu's glorious run comes to an end
Rising Indian shuttler PV Sindhu's giantkilling spree came to an end after she went down fighting to world number nine Jiang Yanjiao of China in the semifinals of the Li Ning China Masters Super Series badminton tournament at Changzhou on Saturday.
The 17-year-old Indian, who created a flutter by beating Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the quarter-finals, lost 10-21, 21- 14, 19-21 to home favourite Yanjiao in an hour and six minutes.
The first game lasted just 14 minutes and Sindhu was thoroughly outplayed by Yanjiao, who reeled off seven consecutive points.
PV Sindhu (pictured) lost to local girl Jiang Yanjiao at the China Masters
There weren't too many smashes or delicate net volleys on display in the opening game as the two players relied on each other's errors to score. Sindhu's net game, which was a shade weaker.
The Indian seemed more comfortable playing out long rallies from the baseline. Cheered by the partisan crowd, Yanjiao overcame exhaustion to take a 16-13 lead.
But even though the Chinese was on top when it came to dictating the pace of the game, Sindhu showed that she had it in her to fight the tactical battle.
The teenager made it 18-18 but the experienced Chinese raised her game at crucial junctures to eventually prevail 21- 19 in the decider.
The Indian challenge in the tournament ended after Ajay Jayaram lost in straight games to China's Hu Yun in the men's singles quarter-finals. Ajay went down 16-21, 18-21 to bring the curtains down on India's campaign at the event.
