PV Sindhu storms into Round of 16 at Paris Olympics; Beat Estonia 21-05, 21-10

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu kept her hopes of a third Olympic medal alive on Wednesday, delivering an impressive performance in the Women’s Singles badminton competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sindhu, seeded 10th at the Paris Games, faced 73rd-ranked Kristin Kuuba of Estonia in her final Group M match and secured a resounding victory.

Sindhu took just over 30 minutes to defeat Kuuba with a score of 21-5, 21-10 on Court 1 at La Chapelle Arena. She topped the three-woman Group M with 4 points from 2 matches, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. Sindhu began her campaign with a comfortable straight-game victory over Abdul Razzaq Fathima on Sunday and has not dropped a game so far.

In her match against Kuuba, Sindhu started strong, winning the first three points and quickly establishing an early lead. She extended her advantage to six points with a net shot followed by a deceptive return that left Kuuba unable to respond. Despite a few points for the Estonian, Sindhu maintained control. Kuuba tried an awkward drive shot but failed to keep it in bounds, conceding another point.

Sindhu briefly lost a point due to a delayed return but soon regained her momentum with a cross-court drive, securing a 13-point lead. Sindhu continued to dominate, extending the score to 18-3 before a long return allowed Kuuba a rare point. Ultimately, Sindhu reached the game point and comfortably won the first game with a commanding score of 21-5.

Sindhu's clinical performance continued in the second game as she swiftly took control, demonstrating her superior skill and strategy. Kuuba, despite her best efforts, could not match Sindhu's pace and precision. The Indian shuttler wrapped up the second game 21-10, securing her spot in the Round of 16.