Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu made a strong start to her bid for a historic sixth BWF World Championships medal defeating Ireland’s Sophia Noble 21-7, 21-11 in just 29 minutes in the women’s singles first round at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Monday. The ninth-seeded Indian who is ranked world No. 9 and a former world champion controlled the match from the beginning against the 21-year-old Irish debutant who is ranked 141st. Speaking after the match PV Sindhu said it was her first meeting with Noble and that her priority had been to focus on her own game.

“It was important for me to just focus on what I do and what I play and how I play. I was excited to get onto the court happening here in India. I could see a lot of people cheering and supporting me. I think that gave me a lot of confidence. Irrespective of whoever the opponent is, I had to just play my game and give my best,” she told reporters.

She also added that a medal remains some way off and that she is taking one match at a time. Sindhu, who already has five World Championships medals (one gold, two silver and two bronze), will next face Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang in the Round of 32. 

PV Sindhu dominates Noble to start the championship with a win

Sindhu started aggressively and raced to an 8-0 lead in the opening game before Noble could come back. The difference in experience was clear as the 31-year-old dictated rallies with powerful attacks, accurate drop shots and sharp placement as Sindhu won the first set 21-7. Noble came back stronger in the second set and offered more resistance, closing the gap to 7-6 at one stage, the closest phase of the match. 

Sindhu took back her advantage and led 11-8 at the interval. After the break she shifted gears, winning 10 of the next 13 points with a mix of clever drops, smashes and rally construction. She maintained her attacking intent through the closing stages and sealed the set 21-11 to win the match in straight sets. She will be eyeing a semi-final appearance which would make her the first player in the history of the championships to win six medals in women’s singles.