PV Sindhu bows out of Singapore Open after defeat to old rival Carolina Marin

NEW DELHI: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu relinquished an 18-15 advantage in the final game, ultimately succumbing to her well-known rival Carolina Marin in the women's singles pre-quarterfinals in a captivating encounter at the Singapore Open. The match, which took place on Thursday, extended over three games and lasted for one hour and eight minutes, concluding with scores of 21-13, 11-21, 20-22 in favor of Marin at the BWF World Tour Super 750 event.Coming off a second-place finish at the Thailand Open the previous week, Sindhu initially seized control by winning the first game against Marin, who had previously bested her in the finals of the Rio Olympics. However, Marin, currently ranked third in the world, demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess by dominating the subsequent game and ultimately overturning Sindhu's lead in the decider.This match marked the first encounter between Sindhu and Marin in seven months, following a tense semifinal at the Denmark Open. Sindhu, a recipient of two Olympic medals, showcased her skill by securing five consecutive points to claim the first game. Despite this strong start, Marin responded with vigour in the second game, achieving a series of six points in a row and establishing a commanding 17-7 lead, thereby levelling the match.The final game saw Sindhu initially maintaining her lead, but Marin executed a remarkable comeback, overturning the deficit to secure her twelfth victory in their 17th head-to-head match. This victory not only highlighted Marin's competitive spirit but also added another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between these two elite shuttlers.Overall, the match was a testament to the high level of competition and the dynamic nature of professional badminton, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. Marin's comeback victory underscores her status as one of the top players in the sport, while Sindhu's performance, despite the loss, reflects her resilience and competitive edge.(Inputs from PTI)