Macau Open Grand Prix Gold 2013: Spirited Sindhu keeps Indian hopes alive

PV Sindhu

It was Thursday, the 28th of November – the third day proceedings of the Kumpoo Macau Open Grand Prix Gold 2013, on which the second rounds for all the categories were scheduled.

The only Indian players left included the three winners from yesterday’s play. All eyes were on the top-seeded P.V. Sindhu and her quest for the title.

In the match between P.V. Sindhu of India and Salakjit Ponsana of Thailand, Sindhu registered a comeback victory, winning 18-21, 21-8 and 21-14. She led the first game by 15-10 at the intermediate stage. But soon, the opponent from Thailand rushed her with some quick points to win the game 21-18. In the second game, Sindhu looked determined to get past the second round hurdle, as she performed exceptionally well to defeat Salakjit by a healthy margin of 13 points. In the decisive game, she continued her dominance and won the match to progress to the next round.

In another match of interest for Indians, Sayali Gokhale lost to Chochuwong Pornpawee of Thailand by 19-21, 21-10 and 15-21. She lost the first game by a close margin. In the second game, she made a brilliant comeback by overshadowing the opponent and won the game 21-10. But in the last and final game, the player from Thailand was back in form and defeated the Indian 21-15. This proved the end of the road for the Indian Sayali Gokhale at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold.

In the last match for India, Thulasi P.C. lost to Chinese opponent Di Suo 15-21, 7-21. Thulasi failed to continue her winning streak and the match was always in control of Di Suo. The match lasted only 38 minutes. This ended the journey of Thulasi P.C. in the tournament.

Now P.V. Sindhu is the only Indian left in the race for the title in the Macau Open Grand Prix 2013. She will be eager to continue fighting in the next round match to be held on Friday.