It has been a challenging year for PV Sindhu, but the stage she has owned for over a decade once again brought out her finest badminton.
On Wednesday at the BWF World Championships, the two-time Olympic medallist produced one of her sharpest performances in years, defeating World No.2 Wang Zhi Yi of China in straight games 21-19, 21-15 to storm into the quarterfinals.
The result was not just an upset in terms of rankings; it was a reminder of Sindhu’s aura on the biggest stages. The 30-year-old, who has often been labelled the “Queen of Majors,” proved yet again why she carries that reputation, dismantling one of the most in-form players on the circuit with a mix of speed, aggression, and composure.
Sindhu vs China: An Unbeaten Record
Sindhu’s rivalry with Chinese players has been a recurring theme in her career, and the World Championships have only amplified her dominance. With the win over Wang, Sindhu’s record against Chinese shuttlers at the Worlds now stands at a perfect 8-0.
The list of names she has toppled over the years includes some of China’s finest in women’s singles, players who have otherwise dominated the tour. Wang, currently regarded as the second-best in the world behind South Korea’s An Seyoung, became the latest addition to that list.
For years, Chinese players have thrived on discipline, defensive solidity, and relentless rallying. Yet, when it comes to the biggest stage, Sindhu’s offense and ability to peak at the right time have always tilted the balance in her favour. Wednesday was no different.
The opening game set the tone for the contest. Wang started strongly, forcing Sindhu into longer exchanges and pinning her to the backcourt. But Sindhu’s response was clinical. She injected pace into rallies, created angles with her steep smashes, and kept the pressure constant at the net.
The Indian trailed briefly at 17-19 but then reeled off four consecutive points, finishing the game 21-19 with a cross-court smash that drew applause from the crowd.
In the second game, Sindhu looked freer, her footwork sharper, and her aggression more sustained. She raced to an early lead and never let Wang back into the contest. Each time Wang looked for an opening, Sindhu’s flat pushes, body smashes, and sudden pace variations left the Chinese star second-guessing. The 21-15 scoreline reflected not just dominance but also Sindhu’s control of the tempo.
As the commentators put it succinctly: “Wang did nothing wrong and still lost in straight games. That’s what great offense does.”
For Indian badminton fans, the match brought back memories of peak Sindhu fast on her feet, deadly with her attack, and unrelenting in rallies. Over the last two years, she has struggled with form and injuries, with her ranking dipping and her results inconsistent. But in Paris, she showed that she remains a force when the stakes are highest.
Her smashes carried bite, her net play had conviction, and most importantly, she looked confident. At times over the past year, Sindhu had seemed hesitant, often caught between attack and defense. Against Wang, there was clarity and intent traits that defined her best runs at the Worlds and the Olympics.
Chasing a Sixth World Championships Medal
With this victory, Sindhu has entered her eighth World Championships quarterfinal. She already holds five medals at the event one gold (2019), two silver (2017, 2018), and two bronze (2013, 2014). Another win would put her in line for a record-extending sixth medal, cementing her position as one of the most successful players in the history of the tournament.
Her opponent in the quarterfinals will be Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung Wardani, a rising player who has troubled top names on the circuit in recent months. But Sindhu’s record at this stage, coupled with her current form, makes her a formidable contender.
Beyond the scoreline, this win carries symbolic weight. For a player who has faced questions about her longevity and ability to return to the top, defeating the World No.2 in straight games is a resounding answer. It signals not just a return to form but also a reaffirmation of her identity as a big-match player.
Badminton fans worldwide often talk about “major Sindhu” as a different beast altogether someone who may falter on tour but transforms when the lights are brightest. Wednesday’s performance was the clearest example of that phenomenon in recent times.
At 30, Sindhu may not have the consistency of her early years, but her ability to rise for the big occasion remains intact. And in sport, that is often what defines greatness.
For over a decade, Sindhu has carried Indian badminton on her shoulders. Her two Olympic medals, her historic World Championship gold, and her trailblazing performances have inspired a generation of shuttlers. Even today, with younger players making their mark, it is Sindhu who continues to deliver the standout moments on the global stage.
This victory over Wang is not just about another quarterfinal berth; it is a reminder of what Sindhu means to Indian sport. The grit, the composure, the ability to silence doubters these are qualities that separate champions from the rest.
As Sindhu prepares to face Wardani in the quarterfinals, the stakes are immense. A win would assure her a sixth medal at the Worlds, further solidifying her legendary status. But even before that, her triumph over Wang has already sent a message: PV Sindhu is far from done.
The match was more than a victory; it was a statement. A statement that despite struggles, despite setbacks, despite the passage of time, Sindhu remains India’s flag bearer in badminton and one of the greatest players the sport has seen.
For now, the queen of majors marches on, with history once again in sight.
