The Oriental mystique was fully demonstrated by three shuttlers from Hyderabad—PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap. They underlined India's prowess as the game's emerging superpower with convincing wins to reach the quarterfinals of the World Championship.
Coach Pullela Gopi Chand, who trains all three, said it was one of biggest days of Indian badminton. “It is a fantastic performance. I'm happy but I wouldn't celebrate yet as my focus is on the final,” he said.
Sindhu said she was at a loss for words. “I can't explain how I am feeling. I just went into the match with the aim of giving 100 percent and I'm really happy to pull off this,” she beamed.
Gopi Chand also praised her ward. “The way she fought towards the end in the second game when Yihan came back and saved three match points was superb. Sindhu played a brilliant game and attacked Yihan,” he said.
Gopi added he was nervous when Yihan came back from 17-20. “Any other player would have given up. There was a long rally at 21-all and Sindhu got the winning point through a net dribble which kissed the net chord and fell on the other side,” he said.
Gopi Chand also hailed Kashyap and Saina's wins. “Both were good. They played according to the plan. Kashyap played a very good game,” he said.
Kashyap said he was happy to reach the quarters. “I have been in the quarterfinals at the Olympics and All England, so I am happy to have reached this stage again,” he said.
Sindhu's father, PV Ramana said it was a great day for him. “I was delighted when I heard the news. I was tense when Yihan fought back,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saina dropped a rung to the fourth position in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings. Sindhu, though, managed to retain her 12th position while Kashyap slipped four places to the 17th spot.