PV Sindhu once again faltered at the final hurdle, losing to Carolina Marin 19-21, 10-21 in the World Badminton Championships in Nanjing on Sunday. With this victory, Marin created history as the only woman to win three world titles. This is Sindhu’s second silver and fourth medal at the Worlds. Indians have won eight medals at the Championships so far.
Marin was on a different plane this time, making her rivals gasp for breath with her terrific pace. However, Sindhu countered her well in the first game and even led Marin 15-11. It was here that Sindhu made a couple of mistakes allowing Marin to come up with a five-point burst. After reaching 16-15, the Spaniard dictated terms, controlled the pace and dominated the Indian. At 18-18, Marin produced a brilliant smash and followed it up with a clever crosscourt slice to move to 19-18. Sindhu then hit the bird wide. At 18-20, Sindhu saved a game point but hit the next into the net.
Marin was in rampaging form in the second set. She went up 5-0 and was leading 11-2 at the break. Hitting hard and finding gaps with ease, Marin hardly gave any space to the Indian. A rattled Sindhu tried hard to get back but the lead was too big to cover. Disappointed with the loss, Sindhu said she would work hard and comeback stronger. "It's quite frustrating to lose again having played the final last time also. But I have to get back to my practice sessions, work hard and comeback stronger. Up and downs are always there but you have to be always be stronger. I expected a good result this time but it is sad to lose. I would now focus on other tournaments," Sindhu said, adding that too many errors cost her the match.
