Internet Desk: Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu eased into the final of the Hong Kong Open Super Series with a convincing 21-17, 21-17 win over Ratchanok Intanon at Kowloon on Saturday.
Last year’s finalist, Sindhu outclassed the World No 6 in the semi finals which lasted for only 43 minutes.
It was the sixth meeting between Sindhu and Intanon. The Thai shuttler had an upperhand over Sindhu in recent times as she lead 4-1 in the head to head count before today’s meeting.
With the win, she has now set up a repeat of last year’s women’s singles final against Tai Tzu Ying. The Hyderabadi shuttler had earlier outplayed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-12, 21-19 in quarterfinals which lasted 37 minutes. Thailand’s Intanon had defeated Michelle Li of Canada in the quarters to set up semifinal clash against Sindhu. Sindhu remains India’s only hope in the competition after Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy crashed out in the initial rounds and Kidambi Srikanth gave his second consecutive Super Series tournament of the year a miss.
It will be a battle between the World No. 1 & 2 in the final on Sunday as Sindhu will face Tai Tzu Ying. The Hyderabadi shuttler will be hoping to emulate Saina Nehwal and Prakash Padukone, who had clinched this title in 2010 and 1982.
Locking horns with Intanon after 18 months, Sindhu showed her prowess as she countered the deceptive strokes of her rival with her better defence, which included superb backhand returns and attacking game plan.