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Sindhu storms into semifinals with hard-fought win against Yamaguchi
Date: 7/30/2021 3:24 PM
Published by : Sara Gonzalez Martinez (BEC)
The Indian singles player is closer to reaching the podium once again after winning in straight games despite having to fight hard.

Olympic silver medallist Pusarla V. Sindhu, India, has been showing great confidence in her second games and is looking to get on the podium to collect what would be her second medal. After a gruelling encounter with Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, she gets a step closer and focuses on her next challenge.

- I'm happy but it's not over yet. For me it's time to go back, relax, and get ready for the next match. I'm happy but I need to prepare for the next match, Sindhu said.

No time to relax
It was indeed a win in straight games, but what a fight it was. It was a smoother yet just as big of a challenge in the first game, but the second part of the encounter required not only skills but great mental strength for Sindhu to get the win. 

- There were some very long rallies. The second game was very important, I was leading and Akane came back - so I couldn't relax. On my side, there were a few errors. I wasn't nervous even though she was at game point, my coach was saying: 'It's okay, keep the focus and you'll get there'. He was constantly supporting me and that got me by and I'm happy I got back in two games.

Hard work and focus
Yamaguchi, number four seed, started off well in the first game, but Sindhu quickly adapted to strike back and dominate the game. The second game was a tight battle with the Japanese player keeping up with the former world champion to reach a score of 15-15. The Indian player then made an impressive comeback to win the match with just a two-point lead, 21-13, 22-20.

The main challenge lying ahead of the first Indian world champion is Tai Tzu Ying. Chinese Taipei’s Tai, number two seed, comes from defeating Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon in a tough three-game match where both stars gave their all, 14-21, 21-18, 21-18. Sindhu knows what she needs to do to get her hands on yet another medal.

- I have really worked hard for this and it's not over yet, and I have to be focused and prepare for the next match. The next one is important, Sindhu stated.
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