Sindhu stutters in the nal against Wang
The Indian ace fritters away a 11-3 lead in the decider after going toe to toe with the Chinese opponent for most part of the contest in a marathon three-setter
tar Indian shuttler P. V. Sindhu blew away a massive 11-3 lead in the deciding game of the Malaysia Masters nal against Wang Zhi Yi, missing out on a great opportunity to end her title drought here on Sunday. The trophy was well within her reach but Sindhu suffered a shocking meltdown after the nal change of ends to go down 21-16, 5-21, 16-21 against the Chinese World No.7 in 79 minutes.
Sindhu used a combination of poise and power to dominate the proceedings against the reigning Asian champion for most part of the match but all fell apart after the break in the decider as the trophy slipped out of her hands.
SKeenly contested
The nal lived up to the expectations as the two traded blows right from the start, looking to play at a high pace. Sindhu managed a 6-4 lead only for Wang to claw back with two points.
The Indian showed great defence and kept putting the pressure on Wang, most part.
who too aimed to inject pace in the rallies and disposed of anything in the hitting zone.
But the Chinese overdid things as a cross-court net £ick and another return went wide.
The rallies got tighter and fast-paced but Sindhu managed to hold an 11-9 lead at the break.
Sindhu left Wang crammed for space with her returns to move to 13-9. The angled returns, the defensive lifts and trademark smashes became more regular as Sindhu dominated the proceedings to jump to a 17-10 lead.
Wang made it 16-19. However, Sindhu grabbed four game points when Wang went long and sealed it comfortably.
In the decider,Sindhu took a 11-3 lead at the interval
Wang scripted a sensational turnaround after the break as she won two punishing rallies, which included 55 and 56 shots.
Wang grabbed six championship points with another precise return at the backline.
World No.1 Viktor Axelsen captured the Malaysia Masters crown edging out Lee Zii Jia 21-6, 20-22, 21-13, to secure his maiden silverware of the year.
The results: (finals, Indians unless specified):
Men’s Singles: Viktor Axelsen (Dut) bt Lee Jia (Mal) 21-6, 20-22, 21-13; Women’s Singles: Wang Zhi Yi (Chn) bt P.V. Sindhu 16-21, 21-5, 21-16.