PV Sindhu, Two-Time Olympic Medallist, Makes First Round Exit From Indonesia Open 51 Days Before Paris 2024

India's PV Sindhu was defeated by Chinese Taipei's Hsu Wen-chi in the opening round of the Indonesia Open, resulting in her exit from the tournament.

PV Sindhu, India's star badminton player, suffered an early exit in the Indonesia Open 2024 after losing to Hsu Wen-chi from Chinese Taipei in the opening round at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 5 (Wednesday). This unexpected loss marked Sindhu's first-ever defeat to Wen-chi, with the final scoreline reading 15-21, 21-15, 14-21 in favour of the Taiwanese player.

The match, which lasted for an hour and 10 minutes, saw the two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion succumb to Wen-chi's prowess. It was a disappointing outcome for Sindhu, who had previously exited the Indonesia Open in the Second Round last year. This proves to be a significant setback to her preparations for Paris Olympics 2024, where she aims to secure her third Olympic medal.

ALSO ON ABP Live | T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule Made Keeping India Prime Time In Mind: West Indies Cricket Chief

Sindhu staged a comeback after dropping a game, pushing the match to a deciding third game. However, Hsu maintained control in the final game, clinching victory. Hsu's win sets up a second-round encounter with fourth seed Carolina Marin from Spain.

PV Sindhu's Recent Struggles Ahead Of Paris Olympics

Sindhu, a former World Champion, recently reached her first final in over a year at last month's Malaysia Masters 2024, but finished as the runner-up in that title showdown against China's Wang Zhi Yi. Notably, PV Sindhu also faced a setback in the Singapore Open 2024 before entering the Indonesia Open. The 28-year-old's journey concluded in the pre-quarterfinals with a defeat against her rival Carolina Marin. PV Sindhu surrendered an 18-15 lead in the decider, ultimately falling to her familiar opponent Marin in a thrilling three-game encounter.

Another disheartening result for Indian badminton ensued as in another match on June 5, the women's doubles team of Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda suffered an opening-round defeat to South Korea's Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong, with a scoreline of 12-21, 9-21. 

On June 4 (Tuesday), another shuttler bound for the Paris Olympics, HS Prannoy, suffered an early exit in the Indonesia Open 2024. He was defeated in straight games by compatriot Priyanshu Rajawat, with a scoreline of 17-21, 12-21.