Kuala Lumpur: India’s PV Sindhu made a confident comeback to the international circuit, advancing to the women’s singles last-16 at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 on Wednesday.
Competing in her first tournament since a lengthy break for a foot injury, the two-time Olympic medallist showed strong rhythm and control as she overcame Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei. Sindhu wrapped up the match 21-14, 22-20 in 51 minutes to book her place in the pre-quarter-finals, according to reports.
Sindhu, 30, had pulled out of the closing stretch of last season’s World Tour events to focus on rehabilitation and training. Her performance in the opener suggested the time away has helped put her back on track heading into a packed 2026 season.
Elsewhere, India’s mixed doubles campaign suffered an early setback. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, world No.17, exited in the round of 32 after a tight three-game clash against Americans Presley Smith and Jennie Gai. The higher-ranked Indian pair fought back to take the second game but eventually slipped 15-21, 21-18, 15-21 after 56 minutes.
All eyes now turn to the men’s doubles court, where world-renowned duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are scheduled to open their campaign later in the day against Yang Po-Hsuan and Lee Jhe-Hue of Chinese Taipei.
