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PV Sindhu's Malaysia Open Dream Ends in Semi-Final Defeat to Wang Zhiyi

PV Sindhu's campaign at the Malaysia Open 2026 ended in the semi-finals with a straight-sets loss to China's world number two Wang Zhiyi. Errors at crucial junctures in both games cost the Indian star the match. In the men's draw, India's Lakshya Sen was also eliminated, falling to Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu in the pre-quarterfinals. Sen squandered a strong start and four game points in the first set to ultimately lose in straight games.

Key Points: PV Sindhu Loses Malaysia Open 2026 Semi-Final to Wang Zhiyi

  • Straight-sets defeat for Sindhu
  • Errors cost Sindhu momentum
  • Lakshya Sen also crashes out
  • Lee Cheuk Yiu defeats Sen in pre-quarters
2 min read

Malaysia Open 2026: PV Sindhu suffers defeat against China's Wang Zhiyi in semi-final

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu suffers a straight-sets defeat to China's Wang Zhiyi in the Malaysia Open semi-final. Lakshya Sen also exits early.

"Sindhu didn't hold her nerves, and errors helped Zhiyi take the lead - Report"

Kuala Lumpur, January 10

Ace Indian badminton player and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the women's singles semi-final match against world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China in the ongoing Malaysia Open 2025 event on Saturday, according to Olympics.com.

Sindhu lost the match in straight sets (21-16, 21-15) against the World No. 2 at the Stadium Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

The opening set was tightly fought, with both ace players matching each point in the early exchanges. However, Sindhu didn't hold her nerves, and errors helped Zhiyi take the lead from 14-all to 18-14 before winning the first set.

The World No. 2 Zhiyi opened took a lead early in the second game before India's ace Sindhu fought back to take an 11-6 advantage at the mid-game interval.

After the interval, Sindhu started making errors that allowed the Chinese shuttler to regain momentum, close out the set, and clinch the match in straight sets.

Earlier in the tournament, India's Lakshya Sen crashed out of the Malaysia Open 2026 after losing to Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu in the men's singles pre-quarterfinals at the Stadium Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Lakshya Sen, 13th in the badminton rankings, lost 22-20, 21-15 against world No. 18 Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong, China in 53 minutes, as per Olympics.com.

The 24-year-old Indian shuttler had a promising start, leading 11-9 at the interval and even holding four game points in the opening game. However, Lee Cheuk Yiu's six consecutive points turned the tide, and he took the opener in a tie-break. Sen couldn't recover and lost the second game as well.

This was Lakshya Sen's third defeat in five matches against Lee Cheuk Yiu.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's disappointing to see both our top players exit early. The pattern is concerning – leading but then losing momentum. Is it a fitness issue or mental pressure? The coaching staff needs to analyze this closely.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking for Sindhu! 😔 Wang Zhiyi is world No. 2 for a reason. Sindhu fought well in patches. The comeback in the second set showed her class. Just need more consistency. On to the next tournament!
R
Rohit P
Lakshya's loss is even more painful. Four game points in the first set and you lose? That's a mental block against Lee Cheuk Yiu. He needs to work on closing out matches. The potential is there, but...
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: We celebrate our athletes when they win, but we must also ask tough questions. Why does this pattern of losing leads repeat? Is the support system – physios, psychologists – as robust as China's? Just a thought.
K
Kavya N
Chin up, Team India! 🏸 Badminton is a tough sport. Sindhu is a warrior who has given us so many proud moments. One semi-final loss doesn't define her career. She's still our golden girl. #SindhuForever

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