Badminton World C'ships: P V Sindhu upsets second seed Wang Yihan

File picture P V Sindhu. AFP

India P V beat second seed and the Sindhu World No. 5 Wang Yihan China 21-18, 23-21 at the Badminton World Championships in Guangzhou. It now enters the quarterfinals along with fellow P Kashyap and Saina Nehwal is one victory from an assured medal.

The first game was tough, but that early lead Sindhu, did not put a foot wrong. The second game was even closer, but finally, Sindhu closed it on her third match point.

Indian, which is 10 seeds, was 20-18, but has returned to assessment level Yihan. But Sindhu refused to back down. Yihan even went ahead 21-20, but then took three points, Sindhu to close the match.

Big win

India P Kashyap also beat the World No 6 Hoo, 21-13, 21-16 in the third round.

The match lasted just 37 minutes as the Indian, who is 13, defeated an opponent above the rating with the splits — he had 17 winners to only 4 smash his opponent. Kashyap was completely in charge, and which illustrates his taking several points 8 at one stage.

Kashyap, won 42 of 71 points played during the match. If one more match wins Kashyap, it will be a bronze medal.

Saina WINS

Previously, Saina Nehwal came through the tougher than expected match against Thailand Porntip Buranaprasertsuk, defeating 15 18-21 seed, 21-16, 21-14 to enter the quarter-finals.

Kashyap was an excellent touch. Getty Images

Saina made a slow start to the game is looking pretty passive in the first game, as it is used for height Porntip good effect. Thai breaks down the line caught Saina out of position many times, and she picked up the game 21-18.

But in the second match Saina became more aggressive. She started taking the initiative with half splits and drop shots. The Indian, who was the third seed, ran away to a lead 16-5, but then took her foot off acclerator and allowed Porntip back into the game. But the big early lead is a bit too much like Indian, won 21-16.

The third game was played largely similar. Sain was in trouble early, but because the last two games showed she had plenty in reserve. As well as its net games was pretty impressive.

Sain now will face the winner of the match between Sayaka Takahashi and Yong Ju Bae, 13 seeds. India in the other two survivors in singles, PV and P Kashyap Sindhu play on the same day.

Match statistics here.