India’s two best players, Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu, both qualified for the quarter-finals, but it was only P.V. Sindhu who made it through to the semi-finals with a three games victory against second seed Chinese Wang Shixian, 19-21, 21-19, 21-15.
- I’m really, really happy, I beat her last year at the World Championships as well (…) I played very well so of course I hope to go further than that, P. V. Sindhu says.
The 19 year old Indian has been overshadowed by her compatriot Saina Nehwal for a long time, but she is getting closer and closer to reach the same level with her aggressive style giving her lots of success against the Chinese top players.
- Of course I have an aggressive play, but I have to be even more aggressive to win my matches. (…) I can’t really compare myself to her (Saina Nehwal, red), but from my point of view, I have been improving every time, so I hope I can continue like that, Sindhu says.
Nehwal in trouble from the start
Saina Nehwal had troubles from the very first start in her match against defending Olympic Champion and first seed in the World Championships, Li Xuerui.
She was behind all first game long and lost 15-21, and even though she got a better start in the second game, she couldn’t keep up with the Olympic Champion taking the game and there by the match, 21-15.
Japanese surprise continues
16th seed Minatsu Mitani from Japan, who Thursday defeated the defending Champion Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand, surprisingly beat another one of the top favourites in her quarter-final, 5th seed Sung Ji Hyun from Korea, 9-21, 21-18, 22-20.
Minatsu Mitani is now facing Li Xuerui in her semi-final, while P.V. Sindhu must wait until Friday evening to know her oppenent.
Friday's last quarter-final stands between European Champion, Carolina Marin from Spain, and Tai Tzu Ying from Chinese Taipei.
The match takes place around 19 PM and you can follow the match on the
Livescore.