GUANGZHOU, DEC 13,
P.V. Sindhu eked out a hard-fought win over World No.2 and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi in the opening women’s singles Group A match of the World Tour Finals.
Sindhu, who had finished runner-up at the last edition in Dubai, dished out a superb game, mixed with patience and aggression, to defeat the Japanese 24-22, 21-15.
However in the men’s section, Sameer Verma couldn’t adjust to the pace of World No. 1 and World champion Kento Momota, going down 21-18, 21-6 in his opening group match.
In the first game clocked 27 minutes as both the shuttlers fought tooth and nail for supremacy. Sindhu was trailing 11-6 at the first internal but she fought back to catch up with the Japanese at 19-19 with a smash on her rival’s back hand.
Sindhu who showed better mental fortitude to claim the opening game.
In the second game the Indian grabbed six match points when Yamaguchi hit the net again.
The Japanese saved one before faltering at the net to hand over the match to Sindhu.
