Daijiworld Media Network - Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 9: India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu advanced to the semifinals of the Super 1000 Malaysia Open after reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi retired injured following the first game at the Axiata Arena on Thursday.

Sindhu was in blistering form, racing through the opening game 21-11, before the injury-hit Yamaguchi, who was wearing a knee brace, informed the chair umpire that she could not continue due to restricted movement.

From the outset, Sindhu dominated proceedings with sharp down-the-line winners, crisp drops and powerful smashes, building a commanding 10-2 lead. Yamaguchi, known for her defensive prowess, struggled to move freely and appeared uncomfortable throughout the game, committing a series of unforced errors while attempting to pin Sindhu to the backcourt.

The Indian ace wrapped up the first game in just over 10 minutes, leaving the Japanese shuttler with little option but to concede. The win marked Sindhu’s first Super 1000 semifinal appearance in three years, underlining her return to top form.

Sindhu had earlier produced another dominant display, brushing aside 19-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki 21-8, 21-13 in just 33 minutes to reach the quarterfinals — her first Super 1000 quarterfinal of the season.

In the semifinals, Sindhu will face either China’s Wang Zhiyi or Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani. While Wardani has beaten Sindhu in their last two encounters, including at the Paris World Championships, the Indian appears better equipped this time, showing improved speed and court coverage. Wang Zhiyi, the current world No 2, remains Sindhu’s highest-ranked recent scalp, whom she defeated at the World Championships.

Meanwhile, India’s men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are set to take on Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri later in the day in the quarterfinals.