PV Sindhu Stages Comeback to Reach Denmark Open 2024 Quarterfinals

India’s PV Sindhu delivered a stunning comeback victory against China’s Han Yue, advancing to the women’s singles quarterfinals at the Denmark Open 2024 badminton tournament in Odense on Thursday. 

The two-time Olympic medallist, ranked 18th in the world, overcame a slow start to defeat world No. 7 Han Yue in a thrilling three-game contest, 18-21, 21-12, 21-16, in just over an hour.

Sindhu struggled early in the match, with Yue seizing control in the first game by winning five consecutive points at a crucial 4-4 juncture. Although Sindhu fought back and saved four game points, Yue maintained her composure to take the opener 21-18.

However, the momentum shifted in the second game as Sindhu increased her intensity and dominated from the outset. The Indian shuttler maintained relentless pressure on her higher-seeded opponent, cruising to a 21-12 victory to force a deciding third game.

The final game was a tightly contested battle, with Yue holding a four-point lead at the mid-game interval. The Chinese player, who has already won titles at the Hong Kong and Arctic Opens this year, seemed poised to close out the match. But Sindhu mounted a swift response, winning four straight points to level the score. 

The pivotal moment came when Yue led 16-15. With the match on the line, Sindhu shifted into another gear, taking six consecutive points to seal the contest 21-16, marking her seventh win against Yue in eight encounters.

Sindhu will now face either Indonesia’s world No. 8 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung or Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt in the quarterfinals on Friday. After defeating Chinese Taipei’s Pai Yu Po in the first round, Sindhu remains the last Indian player standing in the Denmark Open, with the rest of the 13-member Indian contingent, including Lakshya Sen and Malvika Bansod, having been eliminated in the opening round.

Sindhu’s resurgence in Odense has been a bright spot for Indian badminton at the BWF Super 750 event, as she looks to continue her strong run and add another title to her illustrious career.