BWF World Championships: PV Sindhu Sails Through To Pre-Quarterfinals

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 20:46 IST

PV Sindhu staged a comeback to defeat Letshanaa Karupathevan 21-19, 21-15, advancing to the BWF World Championships pre-quarterfinals.

PV Sindhu at BWF World Championships (X/BAI)

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu once again relied on a late surge to overcome Malaysia’s world No. 40 Letshanaa Karupathevan and reach the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships on Wednesday.

The former world champion, who had survived a scare in the opening round, rallied from 12-18 down in the first game to secure a 21-19, 21-15 victory in 42 minutes.

How PV Sindhu Beat Letshanaa Karupathevan?

It was a sense of déjà vu for Sindhu, who had appeared sluggish against Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova in her opener on Tuesday. Against Letshanaa, she struggled to find her rhythm early and trailed throughout, unable to build pressure on the Malaysian’s defence.

Letshanaa started aggressively, firing a smash to Sindhu’s forehand flank that went unanswered before following it up with a delicate drop that kissed the line. Sindhu struggled to find her rhythm and trailed 1-4.

The Malaysian continued to dictate terms, mixing her down-the-line smashes with quick net play. Sindhu was unable to build pressure or string together points, allowing Letshanaa to take an 11-8 lead at the mid-game interval.

Technically sound and physically strong, Letshanaa’s faster, attacking game exposed Sindhu’s inconsistency as the Indian slipped further behind. At 18-12, the Malaysian looked firmly in control.

However, Sindhu clawed her way back into the contest. With six straight points, she levelled the score at 18-all, aided by an error from Letshanaa, who sent a smash wide under pressure.

Sindhu kept her composure at 19-19, producing a clean smash to grab the game point, the first time she led in the game.

Indecision at the backline triggered a weak reply from Letshanaa, which Sindhu swiftly punished, closing out the game after her opponent sent another shot long.

Sindhu carried the momentum into the second game, racing to a 5-1 advantage, drawing her opponent forward and finishing points with authority at the net and from the backline.

Letshanaa struggled to keep pace as Sindhu extended her lead to 7-3 and 9-5, though the Indian was guilty of a couple of misjudged leaves at the backline. A fortuitous net cord winner further stretched her cushion, taking her up to 10-6 at the mid-point of the second game.

Sindhu looked in command, her smashes finding range and her variations troubling Letshanaa, who kept fighting before Sindhu grabbed seven match points following a couple of long shots from the Malaysian.

Sindhu sealed the match when Letshanaa miscued a forehand.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

August 27, 2025, 20:43 IST

News sports BWF World Championships: PV Sindhu Sails Through To Pre-Quarterfinals

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