Double Olympic medallist and former world champion PV Sindhu showcased her tenacity and unwavering determination in a thrilling come-from-behind victory over world No. 7 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia at the Denmark Open Super 750 badminton tournament. The quarterfinals beckon for the Indian sensation following a hard-fought win that left fans on the edge of their seats.
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PV Sindhu, who had recently reached the semifinals at the Arctic Open, had a tough task at hand. She faced a formidable opponent in Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, who had emerged victorious in two out of their last three encounters this year, including a showdown in the Madrid Spain Masters final. Despite this recent setback, Sindhu held an overall 8-2 head-to-head record over her Indonesian counterpart.
The match began with Sindhu trailing as she struggled to find her rhythm. Falling behind 6-12, she conceded the opening game to the determined Indonesian. A cloud of uncertainty hung over Sindhu, who has been grappling with poor form this season, having returned empty-handed from the Hangzhou Asian Games.
However, PV Sindhu’s true grit came to the fore as she surged back into contention in the second game. She seized control with a dominating run, establishing a commanding 13-4 lead. Tunjung, refusing to bow down easily, mounted an impressive comeback of her own, reeling off eight consecutive points to level the score at 14-14. It was a tense moment, but Sindhu held her ground and clinched the game, thanks to her precise shot placement and clever flick serves.
The match was now poised for a thrilling decider. The third game began with both players exchanging early blows, resulting in a 3-3 tie. Sindhu displayed her attacking prowess with a straight smash to win a crucial point, but she also made some unforced errors at the net, allowing Tunjung to take the lead at 5-9.
Sindhu’s fortunes fluctuated throughout the game, but she managed to draw level at 13-13 with a combination of relentless determination and capitalizing on her opponent’s mistakes. The turning point came when Tunjung faltered under pressure, committing several errors at the backline and the net. In the blink of an eye, Sindhu surged to an 18-13 lead.
With seven match points in her favor, Sindhu delivered the coup de grâce with a stunning diving save that left Tunjung with no room for recovery. The stadium erupted in cheers as Sindhu secured her place in the Denmark Open quarterfinals with a performance that embodied resilience and skill.
This remarkable victory not only demonstrates Sindhu’s ability to dig deep in challenging situations but also serves as a testament to her unwavering determination to recapture her best form. As she advances in the tournament, fans around the world eagerly await to see if Sindhu can continue her remarkable journey towards further glory.
