- PV Sindhu lost the Badminton World Championships final to Carolina Marin 19-21, 10-21.
- Marin has become the first player to win three women’s singles World Championship golds
- This is the second time in as many years that Sindhu has lost the Worlds final
PV Sindhu was at the losing end of yet another title clash as she went down 19-21, 10-21 to Carolina Marin in the final of the Badminton World Championships in Nanjing, China on Sunday.
The victory made Marin the first female badminton player to win three World Championship golds after her previous wins in 2014 and 2015, Sindhu had to settle for her second silver medal in as many years, having lost the 2017 final as well.
This defeat is Sindhu’s fourth loss in a summit clash this year.
Since 2016, it is Sindhu's eighth loss in major finals, including defeats at the 2018 Rio Olympics, Hong Kong Open (2017, 2018), Super Series Final (2017), India Open (2018) and Thailand Open (2018).
It is very frustrating to lose again. Last time also I had played the finals. It is quite sad and I have to come back stronger and get back to the sessions and prepare for the next tournament. Overall it was a good match and I am happy I came to the finals. Winning and losing are a part of life and I have to take it as it is.PV Sindhu
While there was disappointment for Sindhu, the runners-up finish also ensures that she becomes the first Indian to win four World Championships medals, having won the silver last year and bronze medals in 2013 at Guangzhou and 2014 at Copenhagen.
I can’t express my emotions. I have so many emotions inside me. I have been waiting for this moment long time. I am happy I could believe in myself this week.Carolina Marin
The Final Clash
The match started with Sindhu and Marin having an equal 6-6 head-to-head record and Marin played an aggressive game, taking a 3-1 lead in the very first game. However, the Indian slowly made her way to grab a 4-3 lead after producing a brilliant drop. She extended it to 6-4.
With Sindhu in full flow, the left-handed Spaniard tried to put her shots close to the line but ended up committing too many unforced errors as Sindhu led 11-8 at the break after Martin sent the shuttle out thrice.
Sindhu extended the lead to 15-11 after the breather but she found the net twice and also hit wide to allow Marin to claw back at 15-15. The Spaniard then unleashed a smash from near the net to turn the tables. A lucky net chord and then when Marin went wide, it helped Sindhu take a 18-17 lead. A weak return from the Indian followed and it was equal again.
A smash by Marin and Sindhu hitting wide gave two game points to the Spaniard and she converted on the second chance, winning the first game 21-19.
I think overall, she played much better. If I could have won the first game it could have been different. In the second game, I made too many errors, my smashes were going out. I can just say it was not my dayPV Sindhu
Marin began the second game with her usual aggressive demeanour as Sindhu found her pace too hot to handle. The Spaniard soon raced to a 5-0 lead. The 25-year-old Marin used her body smashes and acute angled strokes to set up the points. Sindhu couldn't match up to the aggression of the Spaniard and also couldn't slow down the game as Marin continued to gather points.
She moved to the interval with a massive 11-2 lead.
After the breather, Marin continued to dominate the proceedings, pushing her opponent to commit errors as Sindhu hit wide and found the nets.
Two body returns gave Sindhu two points but the Indian continued to struggle to keep the shuttle inside the court and leaked points. Eventually two unforced errors handed Marin her third title.
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