PV Sindhu lost to Japanese Okuhara in a grueling three-set match by a score-line of 21-19, 13-21 and 8-21 in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open GP here today. It was a great match by both of the players as they fought for each point back and forth. Okuhara created more chances in this match and was at her best assuring her to victory over her India counter-part.
In the first game, Sindhu began off to great start taking a 6-2 lead. Then Okuhara played some excellent shots and at the interval it was 11-8 in the favor of the Indian. After the break, Okuhara took a slender lead of 15-16. After that both players fought for each point and at one stage it was 19-19, but Sindhu took 2 crucial points to take the first game 21-19.
The second game began off to a great start for Okhuara with her taking a 1-3 lead. She played some long rallies and smashes and Sindhu made a lot of mistakes which the Japanese player took full advantage of.
At the interval it was 8-11 in the favor of Japanese. After the interval, Okuhara played some excellent shots which did not allow PV Sindhu to play her own game. Sindhu committed a lot mistakes which led to Okuhara taking the second game 13-21.
In the third game, Okuhara dominated from the start. PV Sindhu took the first point in the game but after that the Japanese player was at her best. The Indian player was not allowed to play her game and made similar mistakes in third game too.
At the interval, it was 5-11 in the favor of Okuhara. After the interval Okuhara played an aggressive game and did not allow Sindhu to get enough points and won the game 8-21. As a result Okuhara beat Sindhu 21-19, 13-21 and 8-21.
In the first tournament of the season PV Sindhu played really well to get into the semi-finals, but need to focus on stamina, agility and speed. Earlier P Kashyap was knocked out of the Quarter-finals of Men’s singles.