Badminton World Championships: PV Sindhu makes flying start, crushes Irish opponent in just 28 minutes

In a series of big events, PV Sindhu kicked off her BWF World Championships 2026 campaign on a high note with an easy win in Delhi. The Indian shuttler stamped her authority in the clash against Ireland's Sophia Noble from the start, using her smashes to dictate the rallies and keep her opponent under constant pressure. Sindhu wrapped up the clash in straight games, winning 21-7, 21-11 to cruise into the second round.

Playing in front of the home crowd, the former world champion will now aim to capitalise on the impressive start and make a strong push for the title.

Great start for PV Sindhu

The two-time Olympic medallist and the current World No.9, completely dominated World No. 141 Sophia Noble from the opening exchanges. The Indian star raced away with the first eight points; an error on a toss shot handed her Irish opponent the first point of the game. Sindhu continued to dictate the game and took the opening game 21-7. She maintained her control in the second game as well, securing 21-11 to complete a straight games win in just 28 minutes.

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PV Sindhu eyes big

Sindhu has been going through a great form in 2026. In July, she won the Japan Open Super 750 title, becoming the first Indian to win the tournament. The triumph ended her two-year wait for an individual title.

The Indian shuttler will now be aiming to reclaim the world title for the first title since her historic gold-medal triumph in 2019. Sindhu already boasts an outstanding World Championships record, having also won two silver medals in 2017 and 2018 and two bronze medals in 2013 and 2014.