Malaysia Open: P.V. Sindhu comes up short against Wang in semifinals

Ace Indian shuttler P. V. Sindhu ’s inspiring run at the season-opening Malaysia Open Super 1000 ended in the women’s singles semifinals as she went down in straight games to China’s Wang Zhiyi , 16‑21, 15‑21, on Saturday. The defeat not only ended Sindhu’s title hopes in Kuala Lumpur but also brought India’s campaign in the tournament to a close.

Playing her first competitive event since returning from a foot injury that kept her sidelined since October 2025, Sindhu showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency against world number two Wang. The Indian star squandered an 11‑6 lead in the second game and committed several unforced errors that ultimately proved decisive.

Earlier in the tournament, Sindhu had displayed strong form, advancing to the semifinals after Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi retired injured in the quarterfinals. Sindhu had taken an early lead in that match with aggressive cross-court smashes, and the Japanese player’s knee injury allowed Sindhu a smooth path into the semifinals, marking her first deep run in a Super 1000 event since 2021.

In Kuala Lumpur, Sindhu’s campaign was highlighted by her aggressive play, precise net shots, and trademark cross-court smashes. Despite the loss, her performance was seen as a positive sign in her comeback trail, showing that she remains a serious contender on the world stage.

The 30-year-old’s return comes after a period of mixed results following injury, but she did end the previous season on a high note by winning the 2024 Syed Modi International title , her first significant crown since the 2022 Singapore Open . Sindhu is also a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020 , making her the first Indian woman to win two individual Olympic medals in badminton.

While her Malaysia Open journey ended in defeat, Sindhu’s fighting spirit and ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents suggest that she remains a formidable presence in the international badminton circuit as the 2026 season unfolds.