P V Sindhu, giving something to cheer for the fans in badminton, defeated world no. 2 and London games silver medalist Wang Yihan of China in straight sets to enter the semi finals of the Badminton event of Rio Olympics 2016.

A 21-year-old was ahead in the game from the start and managed to defeat her Chinese counterpart 22-20, 21-19 in a well-fought battle which lasted for 54 minutes. With the win, she has became the second Indian badminton player to reach an Olympic semi final after Saina Nehwal.

Although Sindhu proved the ultimate winner, both the players were indulged in grueling battle with fast-paced rallies with each trying to close out the points. Till the break of the first half, Wang was leading the game 11-8. But Sindhu kept her calm and showed a high quality play and pushed Wang back in the corner and earned few points.

With an impressive opening in the second game, Sindhu scored 8-3 lead. Both the players played outstandingly but Wang committed an error and Sindhu managed to reach the break with 11-8 advantage.

Sindhu got huge support from the audiences as her every point was cheered by the Indian fans in the stadium. Indian badminton team coach Pullella Gopichand also busy in giving his feedback from the sideline. After 19-19 in the second game, Indian shuttler scored a match point and on the decisive point Wang hit the net as Sindhu registered a great win.

By Prajakt K.