Sindhu shocks world No. 2 Yihan to enter Rio Olympics semis

Sindhu is the second Indian to enter the semi-finals at the Olympics, after Saina Nehwal, who made the grade at London in 2012.

P V Sindhu caused the biggest upset in the women’s singles of the badminton tournament at the Rio Games, shocking China’s world No 2 Wang Yihan 22-20, 21-19 to enter the semi-finals on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old Indian, a two-time World Championships bronze medallist, used her height to good advantage to subdue the Chinese in the quarter-finals in 55 minutes.

When Yihan opened up a commanding lead of 10-7 and extended it to 11-8 going into the break in the first game it appeared as if the London Olympics silver medallist would have it easy against the Indian medal hope.

However, Sindhu staged a strong comeback, reducing the deficit to 11-12 and taking the lead for the first time at 15-14.

Yihan regained it at 17-15 before Sindhu effected two powerful smashes to draw level.

But it was evident that the Chinese was feeling the pressure when she hit one back into the net to give a charged up Sindhu the lead. She made another error, offering no stroke only to see the shuttle fall right on the back line and also lost the instant review.

That point put Sindhu firmly in the driver's seat at 19-18.

Yihan then committed an unforced error to hand the Indian two game points. But she saved both, the first following a long rally of 45 shots which ended with a powerful smash, and the second when Sindhu hit one into the net to level the first game at 20-20.

Sindhu then used the drop shot to good effect, gaining another game point, her third, before Yihan sprayed the shuttle wide.

The second game was all about the confidence the Indian gained from the energy-sapping opener.

With the errors continuing to flow from Yihan's racquet, Sindhu opened up a five-point lead at 8-3 and crossed over at the breather 11-8 ahead and well in control at 15-12.

However, she lapsed in concentration and Yihan used the opportunity to claw back, cut a five-point deficit, level the scores at 18 and go ahead 19-18.

Could she take it to the decider? No.

Sindhu sent a sharp return to Yihan’s body to make it 19-all. A powerful smash down the flank gave her match-point. And when Yihan’s return went long, it was all over.

Sindhu is the second Indian to enter the semi-final at the Olympics, after Saina Nehwal, who made the grade at London in 2012.

• Rio Olympics, on Rediff.com