PV Sindhu began her 2026 season on a positive note, storming into the Round of 16 at the BWF Super 1000 Malaysia Open with a hard-fought straight-games victory over Chinese Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yun.
The former world champion prevailed 21-13, 22-20 in a match that tested both her physical readiness and mental resolve, especially in a tightly contested second game. Playing her first competitive match of the season, Sindhu took some time to settle into rhythm. The opening exchanges reflected that rust, with Sung Shuo Yun making a sharper start and pushing the Indian onto the defensive early. Sindhu found herself trailing 3-7 and then 6-9 in the first game, as Sung used quick rallies and flat exchanges to disrupt the Indian’s timing.
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However, what followed was a reminder of why Sindhu remains one of the most formidable players on the tour when she finds her range. From 6-9 down, Sindhu unleashed a stunning run of ten consecutive points, flipping the momentum decisively in her favour. Her powerful overheads, deeper length from the backcourt, and improved control at the net left Sung struggling for answers. By the time the first game reached the mid-game interval, Sindhu had turned a deficit into an 11-9 lead, before closing out the game emphatically at 21-13.
The first game turnaround was vintage Sindhu absorbing pressure, recalibrating her shot selection, and then overpowering her opponent once the openings appeared. Her ability to dictate rallies once she settled into the match underlined the physical edge she continues to enjoy over most players outside the top echelon.
If the first game showcased Sindhu’s dominance, the second game highlighted her resilience. Sung Shuo Yun, to her credit, refused to fade away and produced a far more disciplined and aggressive display. She matched Sindhu rally for rally, mixed up her pace well, and forced the Indian to play longer, more exhausting points. The lead changed hands several times, with neither player able to establish clear separation.
Sindhu was pushed to dig deep as Sung consistently found ways to extend rallies and exploit slight lapses in concentration. The Chinese Taipei shuttler stayed within touching distance throughout, ensuring that every point had to be earned. As the game moved into its closing stages, the pressure mounted, with Sung threatening to drag the match into a decider.
At 20-all, the contest reached its most tense phase. It was here that Sindhu’s experience at the highest level proved decisive. Showing composure under pressure, she stuck to percentage badminton choosing depth over risk, maintaining patience in rallies, and waiting for the right ball to attack. Two well-constructed points later, Sindhu sealed the game 22-20, punching the air in quiet celebration after a match that demanded both power and poise.
The win carries additional significance as Sindhu begins her 2026 campaign with encouraging signs. Despite being slow off the blocks, her ability to raise intensity mid-match and close out a nervy second game will be particularly pleasing for her camp. The victory also sees her live ranking move up to No. 15, an early boost as she looks to regain consistency on the world circuit.
Next up for Sindhu in the Round of 16 is a challenging encounter against either Japan’s rising star Tomoka Miyazaki or Korea’s Sim Yu Jin both players known for their speed and defensive discipline. While tougher tests await, this opening-round performance offers a solid platform to build on.
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For Indian badminton fans, Sindhu’s win is a reassuring start at one of the toughest tournaments on the calendar. The Malaysia Open, with its Super 1000 status, rarely offers easy draws, and early-round matches can often be tricky against unseeded but hungry opponents. Sindhu navigated that challenge successfully, blending her trademark power game with timely restraint.
As the season gathers momentum, the focus will now be on how Sindhu sharpens her match fitness and consistency across tournaments. If this opening performance is any indication, the Indian ace is once again ready to grind through tough situations, and that remains one of her greatest strengths.
Onwards and upwards for PV Sindhu at Kuala Lumpur.
