PV Sindhu exits China Open after three-game loss to Chen Yufei

PV Sindhu’s China Open campaign ended in the second round as she went down 21-16, 20-22, 18-21 to world No. 4 Chen Yufei. Sindhu held four match points in the second game but could not convert them, and Chen came through after a 90-minute battle to reach the quarterfinals.

Coming into the China Open fresh from her Japan Open title, Sindhu faced a stern test against the experienced Chinese competitor. Chen Yufei, ranked world No. 4 and the Tokyo Olympic champion, produced a resilient performance to overturn the result. The match stretched to 90 minutes and ultimately halted Sindhu’s run in the tournament. Chen’s victory booked her a place in the quarterfinal stage.

Sindhu began strongly, taking the opening game 21-16 and appearing to have momentum on her side. The second game proved decisive in terms of the match’s turning point: Sindhu had four opportunities to close it out but was unable to convert any of them, and the game finished 20-22. Those missed chances allowed Chen to re-establish control and forced a third game to decide the tie.

In the final game Chen completed the comeback, winning the decider 21-18 and sealing the match 21-16, 20-22, 18-21. The Tokyo Olympic champion’s ability to recover under pressure proved crucial in a contest that went the distance. Both players were pushed physically and strategically throughout the extended exchange of rallies.

The result meant an early exit for Sindhu at this event despite her recent success at the Japan Open. Chen’s persistence in the critical moments carried her through to the last eight of the China Open. The 90-minute encounter underscored the fine margins that decided the outcome.

Sindhu’s tournament run concluded at the second-round stage, while Chen Yufei advances into the quarterfinals to continue her China Open campaign.