India's star shuttler PV Sindhu's strong campaign at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 came to an end in the women's singles semifinals on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a straight-game defeat to China's world number two, Wang Zhiyi. The two-time Olympic medalist lost 16-21, 15-21 in a contest that showcased her early aggression but was ultimately decided by unforced errors and the Chinese player's superior consistency under pressure. This marked Sindhu's first tournament appearance since October 2025 after recovering from a foot injury.

Sindhu began the match confidently, utilizing her reach and trademark cross-court smashes to build an early 5-2 lead. Although Wang fought back to level the scores, Sindhu regained momentum to edge ahead 9-7. However, errors at the net allowed the Chinese shuttler to take a narrow one-point advantage at the interval. The game remained closely contested after the break, with both players struggling for length and the score locked at 13-13. From 15-14, Wang shifted gears, unleashing relentless attacking shots and precise lifts that cramped Sindhu's movement, eventually closing out the first game at 21-16.

The second game followed a similar pattern. After falling behind 1-3 due to early errors, Sindhu regrouped impressively, constructing rallies with authority and pushing Wang to the corners to establish an 11-6 lead at the interval. She maintained her advantage at 13-9 with sharp net play. However, Wang mounted a strong comeback, capitalizing on Sindhu's lapses as the Indian shuttler sent shots wide and into the net. The Chinese player drew level at 13-13, then surged ahead with a deft net exchange and a series of decisive points, securing five match points before clinching the game 21-15.

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The defeat brought an end to India's challenge in the tournament, with no other players advancing beyond the semifinals. Sindhu's performance, despite the result, highlighted her resilience and competitive spirit in her comeback event after months on the sidelines. Wang Zhiyi, displaying composure and tactical nous, progressed to the final, setting up a strong chance to contend for the title in the season-opening Super 1000 event.

This loss will serve as valuable feedback for Sindhu as she continues her recovery and preparations for the upcoming season. The Malaysia Open has once again demonstrated the high level of competition at the elite tier of badminton, where margins remain razor-thin and consistency proves decisive.

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