PV Sindhu stormed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open and set up a sensational clash with Akane Yamaguchi

NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu continued her resurgence on the BWF World Tour with a dominant display to enter the women’s singles semi-finals at the Australian Open Super 500 on Friday, defeating Chen Su Yu of Chinese Taipei.The third-seeded Indian needed just 27 minutes to record a crushing 21-6, 21-9 victory in the quarter-finals, underscoring the form that has made her one of the favorites for the title.The semi-final berth is only Sindhu’s second appearance in the last four out of eight tournaments this season and comes as a timely boost for the former world champion, who has been searching for consistency after a mixed campaign. The 30-year-old is also chasing her first BWF title since lifting the Syed Modi International crown in December 2024.

Sindhu is too strong for Chen

Sindhu stamped her authority on the contest from the outset, using her superior reach, court coverage and attacking accuracy to keep Chen under relentless pressure.The Indian player cruised through the opening game, allowing only six points to her opponent and carried the same intensity into the second game. Chen struggled to find answers to Sindhu’s pace and angles as the Indian emphatically finished out the match.The overall victory followed Sindhu’s straight sets win over compatriot Isharani Baruah in the pre-quarterfinals, marking a welcome return to rhythm for the former world number two.

Yamaguchi’s challenge awaits

Standing between Sindhu and a place in the final is Japan’s top seed Akane Yamaguchi, who ended Indian teenager Tanvi Sharma’s impressive run with a 21-14, 21-14 victory in 32 minutes.The clash promises to be the next chapter in one of women’s badminton’s most compelling rivalries. Sindhu holds a narrow 15-13 advantage against the world No.3 Japanese star, although their recent encounters have often gone down to the wire.A quarter-final finish capped off a memorable week for 17-year-old Tanvi. The youngster earlier stunned world number one Chia Pin-Chian and beat compatriot Malvika Bansoda to make her international debut.