Published: July 23, 2026 at 11:58 am
The euphoria of becoming the first India to win the 750 Japan Open Super Series lasted just four days as PV Sindhu made an early exit from 1000 China Open in Changzhou. The 12th seed Indian super star lost to China’s Chen Yufei 21-16, 20-22, 18-21 in a thrilling second round match on Thursday.
It turned out to be sweet revenge for Chen, who was defeated by Sindhu in the semifinals on way to the title last week. The Tokyo Olympic Champion & World No. 4 Chen was heading towards yet another loss as Sindhu was at her best in the first game.
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The Indian took the first game at 21-16 and was leading 20-16 at one point of time. She was a point away from victory but squandered four consecutive match points to lose the game and, thereafter, the momentum shifted.
Chen shut out the Indian as she took the decider at 21-18 to pack Sindhu off the China Open.
Former India player-turned-coach U Vimal Kumar described the match as a magnificent one. “What a magnificent match between PV Sindhu and Chen Yufei—badminton at its absolute finest,” he said.
PV Sindhu still showed tremendous character and composure to fight back in the decider, says former player U Vimal Kumar. Pics: X
Vimal said after the heartbreaking second game, Sindhu still showed tremendous character and composure to fight back in the decider. “Playing the closing stages from the tougher end only made the challenge greater, yet she (Sindhu) never stopped believing. A little more luck in the second game and the result could easily have been different,” he added.
Vimal also praised the Chinese player. “Full credit to Chen Yufei as well. Her consistency, resilience and quality under pressure were outstanding, making this a contest of the highest standard,” he said.
“This was a masterclass in attacking and defensive badminton, with exceptional rallies, tactical brilliance and fighting spirit from both players,” the Bengaluru-based Vimal said.
Vimal, who has been vocal against the introduction of 15-point game format in badminton, said: “Matches of this quality are a reminder of why the traditional 21-point scoring system has produced some of the greatest contests in our sport. We are unlikely to witness many encounters like this once the new scoring system comes into effect next year.”
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Earlier on Wednesday, Sindhu took three games to beat fellow Indian Unnati Hooda. World No. 12 Sindhu beat 24th-ranked Unnati Hooda 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a 58-minute-long three-game affair.
Interestingly, it was Unnati who had knocked Sindhu out in the second round at last year’s China Open.
Devika Sihag also exited in the opening round on Tuesday and therefore there is no Indian women shuttler left in the singles draw.
Ayush upsets World No.11 Faran
Howefver, it turned out to be a good day for the Indian men with both Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty winning their respective matches.
Lakshya defeated Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 22-20, 15-21, 21-14 while Ayush Shetty, 23rd in the rankings, upset world No. 11 Alwi Faran of Malaysia 21-17, 5-21, 21-17.
Ayush Shetty upset world No. 11 Alwi Faran of Malaysia 21-17, 5-21, 21-17. Pic: BAI
However, HS Prannoy bowed out of the men’s singles event on Tuesday.
India’s doubles campaign at the BWF Super 1000 tournament, meanwhile, didn’t extend beyond the opening round. In mixed doubles, Olympian Tanisha Crasto and partner Dhruv Kapila lost 21-18, 21-18 to the world No. 6 Chinese pair of Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui.
Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, meanwhile, lost 21-9, 21-16 to the world No. 1 mixed team of Feng Yan Zhe and Dong Ping Huang.
MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan also came out second best to a Chinese pair in the men’s doubles bracket, losing 21-16, 21-7 to fourth seeds and Paris 2024 silver medal winners Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang.
There were no Indian women’s doubles entries at the China Open.
