HYDERABAD: The second edition of the Premier Badminton League ends in New Delhi on Saturday. Before the tournament started, there was frenzy over clashes involving the world and Olympic champion Carolina Marin and PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
But there was not much buzz around the possible encounter between the Indian aces. Fans had to wait almost for the event to end to see the girls have a go at each other. The pair chose the best occasion to do that — in the semifinal in New Delhi on Friday.
Sindhu, who has been in splendid form ever since she grabbed silver at the Rio Olympics, took a little under half-an-hour to wrap up an 11-7, 11-8 victory. But it was no walk in the park against a player known for her fighting spirit. “We played after such a long time. She had been playing really well in this tournament. She had defeated a strong player like Sung ji-Hyun,” said Sindhu after the match.
Saina started on a positive note, taking the lead halfway through the first set, but her lanky opponent stole four points in a row to seal the deal. In the second set, Saina made a late comeback but it was too late as Sindhu clinched the game easily. Appreciating her opponent, who underwent a knee operation after Rio and is trying to get back to her best, Sindhu said, “It’s difficult making a comeback post a serious injury. You are scared. You doubt yourself while playing shots. But what I have learned is that you have to believe in yourself. It has helped me a lot.”
Semifinals: Chennai Smashers bt Awadhe Warriors 4-1, Mumbai Rockets bt Hyderabad Hunters 3-(-1).
vishalvivek@newindianexpress.com