Sindhu stunned as Singapore smash India at Sudirman Cup

SUZHOU, China, May 15 (Xinhua) — Malaysian youngster Goh Jin Wei stunned world champion Pusarla V. Sindhu as India failed to reach the knockout stage of badminton’s Sudirman Cup with a 5-0 loss here on Monday.

With a strong line-up, India was in Group C alongside Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Australia, making it the hardest-fought group. Malaysia and Chinese Taipei had clinched one win apiece on Sunday, meaning India was on the cliff’s edge before the clash.

Mixed pair Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie took the first tie for Malaysia after beating Dhruv Kapila and Ashwini Ponnappa 21-16, 21-17 before Lee Zii Jia also dominated in straight sets in the men’s singles against Kidambi Srikanth.

Facing Goh in the women’s singles, world No. 12 Sindhu won the first set, while in-form Goh recovered to upset Sindhu 14-21, 21-10 and 22-20, followed by Malaysian men’s and women’s doubles also clinched their tie.

“I can’t feel my body now. I am so happy, maybe I’m luckier, but she’s still stronger than me,” Goh told Xinhua. “I saw the team behind me, and their support kept me going.”

“I think it was a good match, but we lost it,” said Sindhu. “It is a bit disappointing that I couldn’t give my team a point.”

The result means Singapore has stormed into the knockout stage as Chinese Taipei whitewashed Australia and took another berth in the last 16. The two powerhouses will play for the first place on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Indonesia trounced Canada 5-0 and Thailand won 4-1 against Germany in Group B. In Group D, Japan thrashed France 4-1, while South Korea also got a 4-1 win over England.