PV Sindhu sets up Yamaguchi title clash

I really want to be the first Indian woman to win this tournament. Yamaguchi will be a tough opponent.

PV SINDHU, after her semis win

DUBAI: Olympic silver-medallist PV Sindhu stood a step away from clinching her maiden title at the Dubai Super Series Finals after defeating Chen Yufei of China in straight games in the semi-finals. Sindhu dished out a controlled game to outclass the Glasgow World Championship bronze medallist Chinese opponent 21-15, 21-18 in a match that lasted a little less than an hour.

Sindhu thus emulated Saina Nehwal, who had reached the final in 2011 and mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju, who had ended runners-up in 2009. “Overall, it was a very good quality match. Though I won in straight games, there were long rallies. It never got over till the last point. I was just thinking about the next point, each point is important. Chen is an upcoming player and she has played exceptionally well. Her defence is solid,” Sindhu said.

In the summit clash, the Indian will face World No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, who saw off Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon 17-21, 21-12, 21-19 in another semi-final.

Sindhu had thrashed Yamaguchi in straight games in her last Group A match. “I really want to be the first Indian woman to win this tournament. Yamaguchi will be a tough opponent. I will have to be prepared. It will be a long, big match, so not thinking anything now. There will not be easy points,” Sindhu said.

Playing an opponent with whom she has a 2-2 head-to-head record this season, Sindhu had to work hard during the rallies to stay a step ahead of the Chinese.