PV Sindhu outplayed Han Yue of China 21-15, 21-13 on Thursday to march into the quarter-finals of the 2017 China Open Super Series. With the victory, the World No. 2 will now face off against 89th ranked Chinese qualifier, Gao Fangjie who stands in her way for a spot in the semis.
Sindhu put up a dominant display in the second game despite a tough challenge from the 17-year-old in the first game. The Hyderabadi shuttler lead by 11-8 heading into the interval during the first game before she bounced back to seal it at 21-15.
Han continued her fightback in the second game despite Sindhu leading at 11-3 in the interval. The Chinese shuttler reduced the deficit to three points to stay alive in the game. However, the Indian ace soon played her A game to end it at 21-13.
The hopes of the nation are pinned on Sindhu after she became the last Indian remaining in the competition following the second round exits of Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy earlier.
Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy crashed out of China Open Superseries on Thursday after failing to win their respective Round of 16 matches. World no 11 Saina’s struggle against World no 4 Akane Yamaguchi continued as she lost to Japanese opponent 18-21, 11-21. World no 11 HS Prannoy also suffered defeat after going down to Lee Cheuk Yik 19-21,17-21.
