Dubai: Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu once again failed to cross the final hurdle going down 21-15, 12-21, 19-21 to world no. 2 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan at the summit clash of USD $1 million Dubai Super Series Finals on Sunday.
Sindhu who crushed the Japanese, when the two met in the group phase, with a completely dominating performance however failed to repeat the same in a pulsating final clash that once again saw Yamaguchi triumph the final hurdle.
Unbeaten in the tournament, Sindhu looked well on course to extend the 5-2 head-to-head battle record she had against Yamaguchi. The game started on an even note with both the shuttlers battling on an equal spree, before Sindhu took a five point advantage to make it 13-8. Yamaguchi despite some unforced errors by the Indian could not capitalise eventually going down 21-15.
Not looking to stop there, a confident Sindhu took a 5-0 lead at the start of the second set, but the Japanese bounced back gradually increasing her tally to seal the match, 21-12 and take it to the decider.
The final set started in a similar manner with Sindhu already leading 4-0 before Yamaguchi made a spirited comeback. The game went long with both the shuttlers fighting it hard point by points. From tied at 13-13, to again stand at 15-15 the game seemed to go long, but a few unforced error by the Indian made it 19-18 in favour of Yamaguchi and although Sindhu rallied to take the next point and draw level, the next two returns at the net, sealed the match in favour of the world no. 2.
Despite the loss it was a great performance by the 22-year-old who won two Super Series titles apart from finishing as runners-up in the Hong Kong Open, World Championships and now the Dubai Premier.
“It has been a good year and I ended the year with another good tournament and won a silver. I will look to play next year with the same confidence and hope to go further,” said Sindhu after the match as quoted by TOI.