All England Open: Sindhu fends off Okuhara, enters semis
PV Sindhu moved into the semi-finals of the 2018 All England Open being held in Birmingham. The world number 3 beat the Japanese sensation and former winner (2016), Nozomi Okuhara in a three-game thriller. The Hyderabadi won the tie 20-22, 21-18, 21-18. Sindhu had lost to Okuhara in the World Championships final earlier.
Sindhu and Okuhara were at their best in a pulsating first game. Both players kept it tight and led each other throughout, before Nozomi stole the thunder from 20-20 to win 22-20. Sindhu overcame Okuhara after snatching five points on the spin in the 2nd game to win 21-18. Okuhara was once again leading the 3rd game, before Sindhu staked her authority.
Sindhu was ousted from the quarter-finals last season and this time she has bettered the feat. A sensational victory saw her equal her win record against Okuhara at 5-5. Sindhu could next face Carolina Marin or Akane Yamaguchi in the semi-final.
