India's star shuttler PV Sindhu overcame the challenge of China's Wang Zhi Yi 21-9, 11-21, 21-15 to win the Singapore Open, her first Super 500 title of the year, and her third in total.
Sindhu won the first game 21-9 but she then lost the second game 21-11. This took the final to the decider game, which the Olympic champions won by 21-15.
This title run will be a massive boost for Sindhu, who will be leading the Indian charge at the Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on July 28 in Birmingham.
The Singapore Open is Sindhu's third title — having won two Super 300 crowns in the Syed Modi International and the Swiss Open — and an addition to her brimming cabinet which has gold, two silver and two bronze medals from the World Championships besides two Olympic medals.
Toss played a major role in the match with drift in the hall making life difficult for the shuttlers. Wang's decision to choose the side put her in an advantageous position as she played against the drift after the final change of ends. However, Sindhu managed to limit the errors and keep her nerves to emerge victorious in the end.
After losing the first two points, Sindhu used her reach to get the shuttle early, played some superb angled returns, and produced one winner after another to stay ahead all the way in the opening game.
The second game, however, turned into a forgettable affair for Sindhu as Wang, now on the better side of the court, displayed her prowess.
The Chinese shuttler was soon up 11-3 after Sindhu repeatedly sent the shuttle long. Sindhu tried to use the spinning net shot and use the gaps on the court to make a comeback but points were too few to come by as Wang continued to move ahead.
At 8-15, Sindhu failed to dispose of a weak return with her opponent on the floor. In the end, a jump smash helped Wang grab a massive 10-game point and she converted it in her second attempt to make a roaring comeback.
The match came alive in the decider as the duo played some long rallies.
While Wang seemed charged up initially, Sindhu was patient and after an initial duel of 5-5, played a superb smash and then finished a long rally with a delectable drop shot to leave her opponent on the floor.
The Indian grabbed a five-point advantage at the interval after producing another superb cross-court smash from a deep forehand corner.
The title run will be a big boost for Sindhu, who will be leading India's charge at the Commonwealth Games, starting July 28 in Birmingham.
This was her third title of the season — having won two Super 300 crowns in Syed Modi International and Swiss Open — and an addition to her brimming cabinet which has a gold, two silver, and as many bronze medals from the World Championships besides two Olympic medals.
