Two-time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu produced a sensational performance at the BWF World Championships on Thursday, stunning world number two Wang Zhi Yi of China in straight games to storm into the quarterfinals. The former world champion was in commanding form, securing a 21-19, 21-15 victory in 48 minutes to move just one win away from a historic sixth medal at the prestigious event.
The opening game was a thrilling, high-quality affair, with both shuttlers trading blows in a tense battle. The score was locked at 19-19 before Sindhu, ranked 15th in the world, showcased her big-match temperament. She held her nerve to win two crucial points, snatching the closely contested first game 21-19 and landing a significant psychological blow.
After edging out the tight opener, Sindhu carried all the momentum into the second game. The Indian ace was in complete control, building an early cushion and racing to an 11-6 lead at the mid-game interval. She never allowed her high-ranked opponent a way back into the contest, maintaining her lead with a mix of sharp attacks and solid defence to seal the impressive win.
The victory continues Sindhu's perfect run in Paris, as she has not dropped a single game in her three matches so far. The 2019 champion is now just one win away from guaranteeing herself a sixth World Championships medal, a monumental achievement that would further cement her status as one of the all-time greats of the sport.
In the quarterfinal, Sindhu will face another tough challenge when she takes on world number nine Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia. With a medal on the line, the stage is set for another blockbuster clash as the Indian superstar continues her hunt for a second world title.