Asian Games 2026: PV Sindhu exits in quarterfinals after Chen Yufei's comeback

The Asian Games 2026 witnessed one of the most thrilling women's singles quarterfinals in Aichi-Nagoya. PV Sindhu, India's two-time Olympic medalist, lost 1-2 to China's Chen Yufei. Set scores: 21-11, 18-21, 10-21. This match was not just a physical battle but a tactical chess match where a 122-second rally in the deciding set changed everything. Sindhu started perfectly, dominating the opening game and limiting Chen to just 11 points. Her powerful smashes and smart court coverage gave her complete control. However, Chen, a world-class champion, adjusted her tactics in the second set, moving more in the mid-court and dragging Sindhu into long rallies to tire her out. Chen's patience paid off as she leveled the match 21-18. The turning point came in the third set. A marathon 122-second rally early in the set proved decisive. Chen won that point and gained momentum, relentlessly pushing Sindhu into defensive positions. Sindhu fatigued visibly, her smashes lost power, and her movement slowed. Chen capitalized, closing out the set 21-10 to complete the comeback. Analyzing the match, Chen's tactical shift was key. After losing the first game, she slowed the pace, using deceptive shots and deep clears to neutralize Sindhu's aggressive style. Sindhu failed to adapt, committing more unforced errors. This defeat is a shock for Indian fans, but it highlights Sindhu's recurring issue of maintaining form across three sets. Chen, meanwhile, proved her mental strength and remains a strong contender for gold.