Jakarta: Indian Shuttler PV Sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Women’s singles final at the Asian Games after beating Akane Yamaguchi in the semi-final 21-17, 15-21, 21-10 held here on Monday.
With this win, Sindhu has become India’s first badminton player, who entered the Asian Games finals.
Sindhu opened up a five point lead with the score at 10-5 in the decider. However, Japanese opponent failed to stop Sindhu to take a lead 11-7 at the break in the final game.
After losing the first game, The Japanese took a lead 21-15 against Sindhu in the second game. At the break in the second game, Yamaguchi made a come back and had a one point lead with the score at 11-10 in her favour, when she was trailed by four points.
Sindhu also controlled the pace in the contest, after the first ten points. At 7-4 she had a platform to build on and storm into the final. It was unlikely to be long battles between Sindhu and Yamaguchi.
At the interval, Sindhu had smashed it down the line well out of reach of Yamaguchi. She took 13-9 lead in the first game after 11-8 at a break.
Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal headed for a gold medal showdown at the 18th Asian Games after their quarterfinal victories ensured India’s first ever women’s singles medals at the Continental event.
That was one very gruelling contest between PV Sindhu and Akane Yamaguchi. Now, Sindhu will face Tai Tzu Ying in the final on Tuesday. (UNI)