Sindhu started the contest on a positive note and showed her experience in the opening game, saving crucial points and edging past Nguyen 22-20 in a closely fought opener. The Indian relied on her strong defence and net play to seal the first game despite stiff resistance from the Vietnamese shuttler.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Nguyen turned the tables in the second game with an aggressive approach. She dominated the rallies, targeted Sindhu\u2019s backcourt effectively, and forced a series of unforced errors from the Indian to level the match with a commanding 21-12 win.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The decider saw Nguyen maintain her momentum as Sindhu struggled to regain control. The Vietnamese player kept the pressure on with sharp returns and consistent attacking play, gradually building a lead. Sindhu attempted a comeback, but Nguyen remained composed and closed out the match 21-15, sealing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat marks an early end to Sindhu\u2019s campaign at her home tournament, while Nguyen advanced to the Round of 32 with a confidence-boosting victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The decider saw Nguyen maintain her momentum as Sindhu struggled to regain control. The Vietnamese player kept the pressure on with sharp returns and consistent attacking play, gradually building a lead. Sindhu attempted a comeback, but Nguyen remained composed and closed out the match 21-15, sealing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sindhu had a strong start to the 2026 season, reaching the semifinals of the Super 1000 Kuala Lumpur event in Malaysia. However, she lost to world number two Wang Zhiyi in a close encounter. Sindhu went down 16-21, 15-21 to the Chinese shuttler, missing an opportunity to avenge her loss to Wang, who had beaten her in last year\u2019s Malaysia Open final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n