PV Sindhu reminded the badminton world of her pedigree as she produced a sharp, composed and attacking performance to beat Thailand’s world No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-15, 21-15 in the round of 16 at the China Masters Super 750.
The straight-games victory marked Sindhu’s second top-10 win in a month and carried her into her first BWF World Tour quarterfinal since January 2025. The Indian star, who has endured a patchy season marked by inconsistent results, came into this match under pressure to deliver against one of the tour’s most reliable performers. Chochuwong, with her steady style and patient rallies, has often troubled Sindhu in the past. But on this day in Shenzhen, Sindhu found the right mix of controlled aggression and tactical clarity to shut out the Thai shuttler in just 46 minutes.
PV Sindhu began the match confidently, using her height and steep smashes to force Chochuwong onto the back foot. The Indian quickly established control with her round-the-head forehands and crosscourt winners, putting her opponent under constant pressure.
Chochuwong, known for her consistency, tried to extend rallies but could not prevent Sindhu from dictating tempo. Sindhu’s precise net play and sharpness in mid-court exchanges gave her a crucial lead going into the mid-game interval. She maintained her grip after the break, accelerating when needed and refusing to allow Chochuwong an opening. The first game ended 21-15 in Sindhu’s favour, setting the tone for what was to come.
Game two: composure under pressure
The second game tested Sindhu’s patience more severely. Chochuwong regrouped and pushed the Indian into longer exchanges, even edging ahead 11-10 at the mid-game interval. Sindhu, however, stayed calm and refused to let frustration creep in.
In one particularly telling phase, after losing a close hawkeye challenge at 10-10, Sindhu reset mentally and struck back immediately. From trailing 10-11, she reeled off 11 of the next 15 points, a blistering stretch that crushed Chochuwong’s resistance. The Thai committed a series of uncharacteristic errors under pressure as Sindhu tightened her grip. Once again, the final scoreline read 21-15, 21-15 – a fair reflection of Sindhu’s control in both games.
For Sindhu, this victory carries weight beyond the scoreline. It is her first quarterfinal appearance on the BWF World Tour since the India Open in January 2025, and it comes at a time when she has been striving to regain her best rhythm. More importantly, it is her second win over a top-10 opponent in just a month, evidence that she is rediscovering her ability to take down the sport’s elite players.
PV Sindhu’s attacking mindset a hallmark of her peak years was on full display. She refused to play reactive badminton, instead dictating with smashes, tight net shots and clever angles. Against an opponent ranked inside the world’s top six, such clarity and confidence were refreshing signs.
Quarterfinal test ahead: ASY awaits
Sindhu’s next challenge could hardly be tougher. She is likely to face world No. 1 An Se Young (ASY), the Korean superstar who has dominated women’s singles badminton over the past two years. Sindhu and An Se Young have not crossed paths in over 18 months, with their last meeting coming before ASY’s remarkable rise to world dominance. This upcoming clash, if it materialises, promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Sindhu, buoyed by her recent form, will enter the contest with renewed belief. For her, it will be a test of sustaining attacking pressure while also handling ASY’s defensive solidity and unmatched retrieving ability.
Sindhu’s 2025 season has been turbulent, marked by early exits and lingering doubts about her ability to consistently challenge at the top level. Yet, in recent weeks, signs of resurgence have emerged. Earlier in the month, she notched a crucial top-10 win that broke a prolonged drought. Today’s victory in Shenzhen reinforced that momentum, suggesting her game is moving in the right direction at the right time.
Her fitness, movement and tactical sharpness areas that came under scrutiny during her slump looked significantly improved. The way she handled pressure situations in the second game against Chochuwong showed both physical readiness and mental composure.
PV Sindhu’s straight-games triumph over Pornpawee Chochuwong at the China Masters Super 750 was more than just another win it was a statement. Against a top-10 rival, she rediscovered her aggressive edge, controlled the match tempo, and closed out proceedings with authority.
As she heads into a potential showdown with An Se Young in the quarterfinals, the signs of resurgence are clear. After months of uncertainty, PV Sindhu looks ready to fight big again and her performance in Shenzhen might just be the spark that reignites her season.
Final Score:
PV Sindhu (IND) def. Pornpawee Chochuwong (THA) 21-15, 21-15
