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Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu progressed to the Indian Open women’s singles semifinals after defeating fellow Indian Ashmita Chaliha in straight games on Friday (January 14).
A former world champion and a top seed, Sindhu got the better of the 21-year-old Chaliha 21-7 21-18 in just 36 minutes to set up her semi-final clash with Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, seeded sixth. The last time Sindhu was up against Chaliha in 2019, the youngster from Assam had produced a spirited fight.
Sindhu came out all guns blazing in the opening game, taking a 11-5 lead at the interval and then reeling off the last 10 points to win the first set. Chaliha tried to make a comeback in the second game as she tied 9-9 before Sindhu managed a slender one-point advantage at the break. Sindhu raced to 15-11 but Chaliha again fought her way back to 15-15. Thereafter, Sindhu switched gears and grabbed four match points. Chaliha saved two match points before Sindhu closed out the match.
In the other women's semifinal, Aakarshi Kashyap will face second-seeded Thailand's Ashmita Chalihan after the Indian notched up a 21-12 21-15 win over compatriot Malvika Bansod.
Katethong against whom Sindhu will play the semi-final, entered the semifinals after the third-seeded Yeo Jia Min of Singapore pulled out of the tournament due to “high fever".
The men's doubles pair of Ishaan Bhatnagar and Sai Pratheek K faced defeat against Malaysian third seeds Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, losing 7-21 7-21 in just 19 minutes.
The 11th edition of the BWF Tour Super 500 Series tournament marked a return after a two-year break due to COVID-19 pandemic.
