Sindhu knocks out 2nd seed, enters WBC quarter- finals
Guangzhou ( China), Aug. 8: India’s rising shuttler P. V. Sindhu registered a stunning upset victory over defending champion Wang Yihan of China on Thursday to join Saina Nehwal in the women’s singles quarter- finals at the World Badminton Championships here.
In the men’s singles, Parupalli Kashyap also recorded an upset victory over world no. 6 Yun Hu of Hong Kong 21- 13, 21- 16 in a 37- minute contest to enter the quarterfinals, making in the first time that India have three singles contenders in the last eight at the Worlds.
Sindhu, ranked 12th, took 55 minutes to send the world no. 5 and London Olympics silver medallist opponent packing 21- 18 23- 21 at the Tianhe Indoor Stadium.
“I cannot explain how I am feeling right now. I just went into the match determined to give my 100 per cent and I am really happy to have pulled off this victory,” an excited Sindhu said after the match.
Earlier, third seed Saina beat Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand 18- 21, 21- 16, 2114 in a 52- minute match.
Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand was also elated with the results and hoped that the Indian shuttlers can keep up the good word.
“I am really happy. Three players reaching the quarter- finals is history being created for Indian badminton. Now we need to take this performance to the next level tomorrow. Target is to reach the semi- finals fist.” he said.
SUPER DAN, LEE THROUGH
In the men’s singles, China’s superstar Lin Dan made it through to the quarterfinals, with arch rival Lee Chong Wei also booking a place.
“Super Dan” made a shaky start against Malaysian Chong Wei Feng, who surged to a 7- 2 lead in the first game of their third- round match.
Defending champion Lin, who had not been stretched in his first two matches, came under pressure from 15th seed Chong and was forced to dive around the court as his opponent found all the angles.
Lin vented his frustration, talking to himself and hitting his head with his racket in the first game after he sent a shot wide. “I didn’t have a good start today because we had only played two matches before and I wasn’t used to his style and tactics,” Lin told reporters after the match.
Lin will take on teammate Chen Long in the pick of the quarter- finals
Lee put in a powerful performance against a tenacious opponent, in contrast to his nervy second- round struggle.
He unleashed smashes which Wang was unable to reach, placed precision shots and defended with lightning reflexes.