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Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh Upsets PV Sindhu at India Open with Defensive Mastery

Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh secured a significant first-round victory over India's two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu at the India Open. This marks Nguyen's third career win against the Indian badminton legend, giving her a 3-2 head-to-head advantage. Nguyen revealed her successful strategy was to adopt a more patient and defensive approach after a rushed first game. The loss is a setback for Sindhu's 2026 comeback season following a recent injury.

Key Points: Nguyen Thuy Linh Beats PV Sindhu at India Open Badminton

  • Nguyen's third career win over Sindhu
  • Patient, defensive strategy key to victory
  • Sindhu suffers first-round exit after injury return
  • Match lasted three games 20-22, 21-12, 21-15
2 min read

India Open: Vietnam's Nguyen speaks on approach against Sindhu after 3rd successive win over legend

Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh defeats Indian star PV Sindhu at India Open, revealing her patient, defensive strategy for a third career win.

"I am more defensive when I play with Sindhu and I have to be more patient. - Nguyen Thuy Linh"

New Delhi, January 14

Following her win over India's two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in the opening round of the ongoing Indian Open, Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh spoke on her approach against the former world champion, saying that she opted to stay more patient and defensive during the match.

After the highs of a semifinal finish at the Malaysia Open, Sindhu's 2026 season, which sees her return after an injury, faced a humbling low of a first-round exit in the India Open Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour against Nguyen, giving her Vietnamese opponent a 3-2 head-to-head advantage. This marks her third triumph over the Indian badminton icon. Sindhu went down to Nguyen 20-22, 21-12, 21-15.

Speaking about her performance to the reporters, Nguyen said, "I think today I did good, I am not talking about wining or losing, but at least I tried until the end of the game."

Nguyen, who had not featured in the Malaysia Open prior to this tournament, said that she focused on giving her best against Sindhu, and after a few mistakes in her shots in the first game, which she lost, she became more defensive and patient.

"I talked with myself like, okay, I can lose, but what I can learn from my match? I think I am more defensive when I play with Sindhu and I have to be more patient. When in game one, I think I was too rushed to want to play my shots, so I did a lot of mistakes. But when in game two and game three, I try to be more patient. And as it was pointed out," he added.

Speaking on if the win has given her more confidence heading into the World Championships, she said, "Until the World Championships (later this year in Delhi), there is a long time. Everybody has got matches; they will learn and never stop. So for me, things are step-by-step.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Nguyen's strategy was spot on. She identified Sindhu's power game and countered it with patience. Sometimes our players need to adapt their strategy mid-match. Hope the coaching team takes note. Wishing Sindhu a strong comeback!
A
Aman W
Respect to the Vietnamese player. She was humble in victory and focused on learning. That's the spirit of sports. Sindhu is a legend, but even legends have off days. The important thing is she's back on court. On to the next one!
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. The level of women's badminton in Asia is incredible. Nguyen's mental game, talking to herself and adjusting, was impressive. Sindhu's fighting spirit is never in doubt. This rivalry is getting interesting!
K
Karthik V
A first-round exit at the India Open is disappointing, no sugar-coating it. The pressure of playing at home might have been a factor. But we must be patient. Comeback from injury is a process, not a single tournament. She'll bounce back.
N
Nisha Z
Sindhu di, don't lose heart! You have given us so many proud moments. One loss doesn't define you. Your journey inspires millions of girls like me. Just focus on recovery and the process. We love you! 💖

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