/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-17690610307492331.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176906092906370781.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176906082340139937.webp)
PV Sindhu showed why experience still counts at the highest level as she staged a remarkable turnaround to advance into the second round of the Indonesia Masters Super 500 in Jakarta on Wednesday. Up against Japan's Manami Suizu, ranked 35th in the world, Sindhu found herself in deep trouble early, even by her own admission as a traditionally slow starter.
The Indian shuttler went into the mid-game interval of the opening game trailing 2-11, struggling to cope with Suizu's sharp body smashes and accurate placement. Sindhu's own attacking shots lacked penetration, and rallies were frequently dictated by the Japanese player. However, the break proved to be a turning point.
Sindhu returned with renewed clarity and aggression. A clever low return forced
Suizu into a weak lift, which Sindhu punished with a trademark round-the-head smash. From there, she began to control the rallies, moving her opponent across the court and forcing errors. The momentum shift was most evident when Sindhu saved four game points at 16-20 in the first game, holding her nerve to reel off six consecutive points and steal it 22-20.
With confidence restored, the former world champion took charge in the second game. She raced to a 17-9 lead by dictating the pace and varying her angles, though Suizu did mount a late challenge. Sindhu stayed composed to close out the match 21-18, sealing a 53-minute victory that underlined her ability to adapt under pressure.
Sindhu will next face Denmark's Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt, currently ranked 18th in the world. While Sindhu holds a dominant 5-1 head-to-head record, their most recent encounter in 2025 went in the Dane's favour, setting up an intriguing contest.
Earlier in the day, teenager Tanvi Sharma bowed out after a spirited showing against world No. 9 Tomoka Miyazaki. The 17-year-old Indian, fresh off an impressive performance at the India Open, pushed the Japanese youngster to the limit. Tanvi won the opening game, narrowly lost the second, and even led 13-11 in the decider before Miyazaki's consistency proved decisive in a 21-18, 18-21, 16-21 defeat after 68 minutes.
