Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu kept her hopes of a third Olympic medal alive on Wednesday. Sindhu broke no sweat as she stormed into the Round of 16 of Women’s Singles badminton at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, July 31. Sindhu, seeded 10th at the Paris Olympics, delivered a clinical performance against 73rd-ranked Kristin Kuuba of Estonia in her final Group M match.

Sindhu took just over 30 minutes to defeat Kuuba 21-5, 21-10 on Court 1 at La Chapelle Arena. She topped the three-woman Group M with 4 points from 2 matches, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. Sindhu began her campaign with a comfortable straight-game victory over Abdul Razzaq Fathima on Sunday and has not dropped a game so far.

Sindhu started strong in her match against Kuuba, winning the first three points and quickly establishing an early lead. She extended her advantage to six points with a net shot followed by a deceptive return that left Kuuba unable to respond. Despite a few points for the Estonian, Sindhu maintained control. Kuuba tried an awkward drive shot but failed to keep it in bounds, conceding another point. Sindhu briefly lost a point due to a delayed return but soon regained her momentum with a cross-court drive, securing a 13-point lead. Sindhu continued to dominate, extending the score to 18-3 before a long return allowed Kuuba a rare point. Ultimately, Sindhu reached the game point and comfortably won the first game with a commanding score of 21-5.

Sindhu aimed to conserve energy for the upcoming knockout stage by wrapping up the match quickly. Despite a stronger showing from Kuuba, who leveled the score at 2-2, Sindhu's powerful smashes and consistent play saw her take the lead. Kuuba struggled to match Sindhu's pace, committing errors and losing crucial points. Sindhu's aggressive play, including a rapid smash and precise drop shots, secured her a commanding 15-6 lead. Ultimately, Sindhu's dominance on the court sealed her win, as she took the match in straight games.

Source: India Today