11.30 pm: Srikanth and Lakshya are the last two Indians standing at the tournament and their semi-final is the eighth match of the day (session starts at 2.30 pm IST, so give or take around seven hours from then). It’s been another interesting day of badminton even if it started on a disappointing note for Indian fans with Sindhu bowing out.

Summary:

  1. PV Sindhu loses in straight games against world NO 1 Tai Tzu Ying
  2. Srikanth assured of a first medal at Worlds, cruising through his quarterfinal.
  3. Lakshya Sen saves a match point to reach semifinal and assured himself a medal, and India will have a men’s singles finalist.
  4. HS Prannoy bows out after a good fight against red-hot Loh Kean Yew

Some outrageous defending in this match by the Russian Davletova but Japanese hang on, going from 16-19 to win the decider.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 21-12 HS Prannoy: This is how the second game panned out. Prannoy ran out of steam at the end.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 21-12 HS Prannoy: With a knee slide beyond the base line, LOH KEAN YEW HAS MADE HISTORY! Singapore’s first medal in the tournament’s history.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 20-12 HS Prannoy: Brutal smash down the line and it is match points for Loh.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 19-12 HS Prannoy: Prannoy has reached double digits in both games. Without an iota of disrespect, that it itself is a positive given how Loh has been playing. Couple of brilliant smash winners from the Indians but Loh keeps the points rolling from his end. HSP has the serve back with a lovely play at the net

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 16-9 HS Prannoy: It’s a flurry of Loh points now. He almost lost his footing and seemed to twist his ankle but steadies himself and sends back a super smash, then eventually wins a point. Superhuman levels. 8 straight points and the run finally ends with a smash from HSP.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 11-8 HS Prannoy: HSP misses the sidelines a couple of times and it means three straight points for Loh and a three-point lead at the mid-game interval. For the first time in the match, Prannoy is looking a bit leggy.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 7-6 HS Prannoy: Huge roar from Loh and that is a sign that he realises how important it is at the moment to get a run of points. He is pumped up after each point almost.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 4-6 HS Prannoy: Terrific work at the net from HSP and he has a tiny lead here.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 4-4 HS Prannoy: Prannoy is making Loh hesitate, Frost says. That is why he is getting the points he is. Both players exchanging points here.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 21-14 HS Prannoy: 23 minutes for the opening game. Prannoy hasn’t played badly at all but Loh is playing at an unreal level. Frost, on asked what he would have told HSP, says that he needs to keep faith. That he’d tell Prannoy that he has played really well, you are anticipating the attacks, just keep playing good shots.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 20-13 HS Prannoy: A 48-shot rally. 40 of those probably of the highest quality... and Prannoy must have played a few winners at least and it kept coming back (I swear I typed this before Frost said it on air!) Just a ridiculous level Loh is at now. Game points for the Singaporean.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 17-13 HS Prannoy: Loh almost produces a physics defying return from a smash and Prannoy gives him a “what on earth” smile. A sensational rally follows soon after that HSP does well to stay in, but couldn’t finish. The Indian has the serve back at 13.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 11-10 HS Prannoy: High intensity restart from the interval by Prannoy and he has put together two terrific points.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 11-8 HS Prannoy: HSP makes it a 1-point game with sharp net play. And then after a superb rally, patient from both players, Prannoy makes a simple error. Soon after Loh leads by three going into the interval. Been a high quality match so far... and to Prannoy’s credit he hasn’t led Loh run away with it.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 8-6 HS Prannoy: A fine start by both players. We have already seen some great points.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew 3-4 HS Prannoy: The Indian has played three really good rallies and finds himself 0-3 down. The third point was a thing of marvel... no idea how Loh kept returning. But from there, Prannoy goes on a run of 4 straight points. Very impressive from HSP so far. Up for the fight.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew vs HS Prannoy: Prannoy chose ends we are told. Meanwhile, Intanon trails 13-17 in the decider.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew vs HS Prannoy: The Indian runs into Singapore’s Loh, the most in-form player in the tournament. The young Loh has simply blown away his opponents but Prannoy has caused some upsets of his own and the Indian does lead the H2H 2-0, the last meeting coming in 2019.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew vs HS Prannoy: If you are looking for positives from a Prannoy point of view, a) he has defeated two seeded players b) he has a knack for pulling off upsets against odds.

Men’s singles, Loh Kean Yew vs HS Prannoy: You are about to see the man who is probably the favourite for the title. Since dropping the first game against Axelsen 14-21, Loh Kean Yew has gone 21-9, 21-6 (vs Axelsen), 21-4, 21-8, 21-4, 21-7 this week. Unreal form. He made Morten Frost say yesterday, “I have no words honestly” for how good he was against Wangchaoren. Prannoy will have his task cut out.

Men’s singles: This is so sad. Lee Zii Jia has struggled for footwork since winning the first game and he is struggling with what seems to be blisters on his foot. Trailing 1-11 in the decider, he decides enough is enough. Antonsen into the semis, back-to-back medals. Time for HS Prannoy vs Loh Ken Yew.

Women’s singles: Well, well. The last remaining singles champion is in a bit of a bother.

Men’s singles: Lee Zii Jia just couldn’t do anything in the second half of that game and has called for medical help. Seems like blisters on his foot.

The current All England champion and former World Champion have won their respective first games.

On Court 1: Lee Zii Jia, who has needed three games to win all his previous matches, takes on 2019 silver medallist Anders Antonsen, who has not dropped a game.

On Court 2: Former champion (the only one remaining in the women’s singles draw) Ratchanok Intanon takes on Zhang Yi Man.

Men’s doubles: Malaysia’s Ong/Teo, who defeated Satwik/Chirag, have now beaten Olympic champions Lee/Wang. Men’s doubles at the moment is a wild ride.

Lakshya Sen’s reaction to win

Emotions right now: I’m happy, feel really good. it was a pressure match. Credit to him as well, he was playing at a good pace, even though he’d played long match yesterday. It was a tough and close match, so it feels good. 

Take us through the match: Very confident in the first game, was rallying it out. Comfortable. I was on the faster side after the first game, had a little bit difficulty in controlling shuttles from the net. I went into the drive game and it didn’t work me. Third game again I was ready to rally again. In the beginning he was leading by a few points but still I was confident that if I rally it out, I can make up a lot of points. I was better prepared for playing the drive game, pushing it hard on to the body.

Mentality during the third game: I was confident in my rally game. Both of us made some mistakes. He was also playing at a fast pace, he was forcing me to make errors. Moment I controlled that, I was winning points, and felt confident. At 20-all, I slipped but I still managed to pull off a winner... so yeah, a bit of luck. (smiles)

On playing Srikanth: Looking forward. I haven’t played Srikanth in three years I think... last was 2018 [no meetings on tour yet], it’s been a while, so it will be a good match. He’s playing really well, he’s beaten opponents in single digits this week. Playing at a good pace and court suits him. I’m also playing well, and we both play an attacking style. Let’s see who makes the final.

— via BWF Mixed Zone

Srikanth’s reaction to the win:

On how he’s feeling: I’m just very happy to be in the semifinals of a World Championships. Just... very happy. 

On what worked today: Going into the match, I told myself that I have to be in the match throughout. I just didn’t want to give him easy points or a big lead and make easy mistakes. So I just wanted to be in the match and stay focussed throughout. I think that really helped.

Lot of players are physically burnt-out. How are you feeling? (Smiles). I am also very tired physically. I mean this is like my ninth or tenth tournament. Yeah, but it is the World Championships, can’t really miss out on such events… so yeah…

What does it mean to find his form: Well, I am just very happy to be able to reach this stage of the Worlds. Coming into the tournament, I was only thinking about the first round match because Pablo [Abian] is someone who definitely tough and it is his home country too. So even now, I am only thinking about the next match.

Lakshya Sen or Zhao... what do you think: Personally, I want Lakshya to be there. But let’s see. [Lakshya is there now, of course!)

Any extra motivation closer to the final: I have the same level of motivation from the first round. You have to be 100% to win matches. I will try and give my best in the next match too. 

— via BWF Mixed Zone

Tai Tzu Ying, who ended her quarterfinal jinx and assured herself a first ever Worlds medal, reacts to her win today (Via BWF):

“More than winning the World Championships medal, I’m happy with the way I played. I didn’t have a lot of mistakes and that makes me very happy and satisfied.”

“In all my matches so far I have been patient, and that’s the biggest positive for me. For the next match (against He Bing Jiao), it’s important to stay patient and not make mistakes. Sindhu is a very strong player and very fast, so I had to play fast too and cover the court well.”

Women’s singles: An Seyoung couldn’t quite produce the best version of her basic game and that is the end of her remarkable 2021. She was undefeated in the three tournament finals in Bali but the Worlds proved one step too far. Akane Yamaguchi meanwhile remains on course to try and win her first World Championship title.

Women’s singles: From the end she dominated the opening game, Akane dominates the first half of the decider. Now ASY needs another huge comeback as we change ends.

Women’s singles: Contrary to what the scoreline suggests, the second game was close for large parts. Akane rightly conserved some energy towards the end. Promises to be a great decider now.

Women’s singles: Now it is starting to live up to the expectations. Wonderful wonderful rallies now, and ASY looking on track to give us one more game.

Women’s singles: Much like yesterday, An Seyoung is off to a slow start. Just not been at the races so far and you can’t afford that against Akane. 13 mins and she has raced to a 21-7 scoreline.

PV Sindhu’s reaction after her defeat today:

On the match: I think it was a good game overall. Long rallies. I think it was just her day today and it wasn’t mine. I think it was a good match even though it was just two sets and at some point, it was like equal and there were long rallies but it was just her day. There was nothing more to say. Maybe there were a few mistakes but it happens. But in the second game after 12-12, I gave her 4-5 points continuously and maybe I should’ve taken a break there is what I felt. Otherwise, it was all fine… the movement and other stuff.

Sindhu on what she could have done better: Yeah, I think I should have been more patient. With Tai Tzu, as I mentioned, there are not going to be any easy points and you could see today, there were no easy points.

Sindhu on the year: Year has been good so far. Maybe if I had got a medal here too it would’ve been good. But a lot of positives to take from here and the whole year has been good for me so far. I am happy about it but a bit sad about today’s loss. It is time to go home, rest well and come back strong for next year.

— via BWF Mixed Zone

A match that I have been waiting for since the draw was announced. For one more time in 2021, Akane Yamaguchi vs An Seyoung. The Korean just about scraped through to this match... struggled with some finger issues y’day. This has potential to be a classic if ASY has recovered well enough.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 22-20 Zhao Jun Peng: MEDAL ASSURED. What a performance by the Indian youngster. Saves a match point and clinches the decider 22-20. Delight for him, flips the racket in the air. Thriller! Produced a stunning backhand winner at 20-20 when he lost his footing.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 20-20 Zhao Jun Peng: Sen saves a match point with a super kill at the net!

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 19-19 Zhao Jun Peng: Still level.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 18-18 Zhao Jun Peng: Goosebumps for us now. Sen levels again this time with a straight smash.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 17-17 Zhao Jun Peng: Sen has the serve back. And kills off a rally with a super cross smash.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 15-17 Zhao Jun Peng: Breathtaking rally, Sen doing so well to stay in it despite a flick serve putting him under pressure but Zhao closes it out.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 14-16 Zhao Jun Peng: Zhao sneaks back into the lead on the back of great defence. And a challenge from Sen for a lift, and he is wrong. Loses the challenges! And trails by 2. Big test of character this.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 14-13 Zhao Jun Peng: So close at the moment! Sen has found rhythm back it must be said but Zhao staying at a good level. A lovely cross smash from the Indian gives him a 1-point lead. Been a while.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 11-11 Zhao Jun Peng: Desperately need couple of points from Sen to start off after the break. Good intensity, going for the attacking shots early in the rally. A nice forehand lift from him makes it level again.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 8-11 Zhao Jun Peng: The Chinese shuttler leads at the interval again as we change ends. Showing no signs of physical weariness despite staying out on the court late last night. Not looking good for Sen at the moment.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 8-10 Zhao Jun Peng: Neither player taking control but Zhao seems the better player at the moment in terms of control.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 7-8 Zhao Jun Peng: Oh dear. Two bad misses from Lakshya from 5-5. He will be kicking himself if he doesn’t close it out. It is leading to frustrations for the Indian. A huge lucky break for him at the net next point. He needed that. Zhao loses his racket next point, Sen closes it at the net.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 5-5 Zhao Jun Peng: A quiet fist pump from LS as he ends the run of points from Zhao. He needed that. Zhao misses a smash by some distance next. All level again.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21, 3-3 Zhao Jun Peng: Errors from both players at the start of the decider at the back-line and they both lose a review as well overcompensating. Cagey start.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21 Zhao Jun Peng: Here’s how the second game panned out.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 15-21 Zhao Jun Peng: Lovely crosscourt net shot to save one game point but Sen sends a forehand long. The far end has not been good for Sen, he will be desperate to start the decider well.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 14-20 Zhao Jun Peng: Rapid at the net from Zhao and he has six game points.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 14-18 Zhao Jun Peng: Radar sharp challenge from Zhao. LS does well to increase the pace again next point to close the gap to three. And then misses a rather simple smash! Roar from Zhao.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 12-16 Zhao Jun Peng: LS can really go all out here if he wants to... and he does that with a nice straight smash to set up a point. But after a patient net exchange next rally, he makes a backhand error.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 10-15 Zhao Jun Peng: Errors galore from Sen at the moment. Zhao keeping things steady.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 10-11 Zhao Jun Peng: Like the first game, Zhao has the lead at the interval. Will Sen find another gear now?

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 10-10 Zhao Jun Peng: Nice flick serve from Sen then good play at the net as he sneaks back ahead. Then sends a lift long. Who will have the lead at the interval?

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 7-7 Zhao Jun Peng: Facepalm from Zhao as he misses a smash after setting up a nice point. Could have gone three ahead, instead has let LS close down.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15, 4-4 Zhao Jun Peng: Sen wins another brutal rally at the start of the second game. The longer rallies seem to be hurting Zhao... but he closes the gap down from 1-4 down to level things up after constructing a patient point.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15 Zhao Jun Peng: Here’s how the first game panned out.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 21-15 Zhao Jun Peng: Lakshya Sen with another memorable save to add to his collection. Superb recovery to get to this shuttle after a dive and then closes out the point too. Takes the opening game 21-15 after a fantastic second half.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 16-13 Zhao Jun Peng: Sen has moved into the lead now. A superb spinning net shot followed by another nice followup at the net for two good points. Another kill at the net set up by a smash. LS has upped the tempo.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 12-13 Zhao Jun Peng: Superb rally and Lakshya needed that! Zhao was pulling ahead but after a gruelling back and forth, Sen pounces at the net. A good backhand block helped him set up that point. The Indian is closing the gap. (Score corrected previously)

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 9-11 Zhao Jun Peng: The rallies just got shorter towards the end of that first half. Is Sen going to plan B? Didn’t quite work. Lead for the Chinese shuttler.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 8-8 Zhao Jun Peng: Terrific rallies in this match now. Zhao is a bit of an unknown at this level, but clearly he is the Chinese mould of allround shuttlers. Great on attack and defence, super footwork. This is going to be a tight battle.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 6-6 Zhao Jun Peng: Sen’s plan might be to keep Zhao on court for long rallies he should have the physical edge. Sen has now put together a solid run of points.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen 3-5 Zhao Jun Peng: Here’s how the two players got to the quarterfinals, both upsetting one seed each. Zhang has started really well, but Sen plays a really good point to move around the Chinese and close the point out. The Indian will do well to keep the rallies long.

Men’s singles, Lakshya Sen vs Zhao Jun Peng: Sen has been playing a very consistent brand of badminton for a while and if he can continue in the same vein, he will fancy his chances against China’s Zhao, a leftie. The Indian has a world ranking of 19 while his Chinese opponent is ranked 42. They have never played against each other before. Zhao has has had success at the junior level, like Lakshya. Rankings not much of an indicator here as the Chinese have barely played tournaments.

Men’s singles: Just over 12 hours after this match, Zhao Jun Peng takes on Lakshya Sen.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 21-8, 21-7 Mark Caljouw: Srikanth’s win today perhaps the easiest he has had in a while. Wide open draw for various reasons. But the medal he is going to win at this Worlds is reward for the work he has done over the last couple of months. Has played the best he has in so long. He said yesterday that he wants to go further... much further ahead. Awaits the winner of Lakshya Sen vs Zhao Jun Peng.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 21-8, 21-7 Mark Caljouw His first ever World Championships medal assured in his career. And India’s third medal at the Worlds in men’s singles. Dominant performance.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 21-8, 14-5 Mark Caljouw: One way traffic in this match. Caljouw is actually trying to change it up and attack. But that has resulted in errors. Srikanth has had to just play a clean game at the moment.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 21-8, 11-3 Mark Caljouw: A slightly closer start to this game but Srikanth races ahead from there. Coach Park wants no let up in the intensity here from the Indian. Keep at it he says.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 21-8 Mark Caljouw: Caljouw’s body language hasn’t been great. Srikanth has cruised to the first game. The Dutch has played some bruising matches before this and defensively strong, but not troubling Srikanth on the attack enough. “Your attack is very nice Srikanth.. very nice,” Coach Park says. Asks him to reset and be wary of a reset from Caljouw.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 11-5 Mark Caljouw: No time for coach Park to ruminate on Sindhu’s defeat, he is with Srikanth. The India has raced to a super handy lead.

Some thoughts on the Sindhu match. Disappointing as it is for Sindhu to not win a 6th medal, Tai Tzu Ying has followed her 1st Olympics medal with now her 1st World Championships medal. A champion player, arguably the most skillful of her generation and she has righted two wrongs in 2021.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi 5-1 Mark Caljouw: Srikanth has made a bright start and he has already opened up a four-point gap.

Men’s singles, [12] Srikanth Kidambi vs Mark Caljouw: Srikanth Kidambi has found a good rhythm and he was back at his imperious best in his win against China’s Lu Guang Zu. He dominated the match from start to finish and will hope to display the same form against Caljouw as well. They have never faced each other on the tour before. This is their first meeting.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 21-13 PV Sindhu [6] For only the second time in her glittering career, PV Sindhu will return without a medal at the World Championships. For only the first in her glittering career, Tai Tzu Ying reaches the semifinals at the World Championships and wins her first medal, at the very least.

Here’s how the second game panned out:

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 21-13 PV Sindhu [6]: For the second major tournament running, Tai Tzu Ying defeats PV Sindhu. For only the second time in her career, Sindhu will return home without a medal from the medals. And for the first time in her career, TTY will be on the podium at the Worlds.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 20-13 PV Sindhu [6]: Match points galore.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 18-13 PV Sindhu [6]: Another stunning backhand drop shot. Magic.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 17-13 PV Sindhu [6]: The moment Sindhu upped the pace with a flat shot, TTY was again ready.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 16-13 PV Sindhu [6]: And TTY has answers for Sindhu’s pace too. Defending and being ready to finish off points the moment Sindhu gets her length wrong. A gift for Sindhu at the net but she gives the serve back with another clear that goes long.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 12-12 PV Sindhu [6]: Two great shots by Sindhu right after the break reduce the gap to just one point. She has Tai on the defensive here, diving to retrieve and missing it. Mind you, TTY has a strong defence too. Not like it is her weakness. Sindhu with good pace. We are all level as she forces an error from TTY.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 11-8 PV Sindhu [6]: Sindhu hasn’t been able to keep up with TTY’s pace of play, try as hard as she might. Time to up the pace, you’d think and put Tai on the defensive if possible.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 10-7 PV Sindhu [6]: This is a really physical battle now. Brutal, TTY keeps playing the drop shots and that is taking a lot out of Sindhu.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 8-7 PV Sindhu [6]: TTY is on the floor! Not because she had to dive but she couldn’t believe how she missed a kill shot after a superb rally. Longest of the match so far, 22 shots. Sindhu moves into the lead next point but TTY levels it again. The quality is relly high at the moment. And now a 25-shot rally that Sindhu coudln’t finish. TTY drops the shuttle while backtracking and leaping! What was that.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 6-5 PV Sindhu [6]: The net chord is Taiwanese at the moment. Magical as the spinning shots from TTY are, the net too is helping. Sindhu having joy when she gets the height to play her downward shots but TTY keeps playing the drops.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17, 3-3 PV Sindhu [6]: Lovely crosscourt drop from Sindhu to catch TTY on the backfoot. Not easy to achieve that. TTY with super pressure in the next point to leave Sindhu on the court on defence. TTY knows how important a good start is here for her here too.

Good signs in the second half of the first game. If Sindhu can start well in the second game, this can still go the distance. So important to not play catch up here for the Indian

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 21-17 PV Sindhu [6]: First game, TTY! The world No 1 started brilliantly but the Indian fought back well and controlled large parts of the second half of that game. Will be interesting to see if she can take that momentum forward to the second game. Remember, Sindhu defeated TTY after dropping the first game in Basel too.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 20-17 PV Sindhu [6]: Mini fist pump from Sindhu as TTY sends a clear long. And Sindhu then sends a crosscourt just wide! (She had that point in her control too). Game points TTY.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 19-16 PV Sindhu [6]: More pressure from Sindhu. Oh dear, a lucky net chord for TTY when the game was getting close! Unfortunate. It felt like Sindhu was about to make it a 1-point game.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 18-15 PV Sindhu [6]: Best point of the match for Sindhu now. Under relentless pressure from Sindhu perhaps for the time, TTY does well to stay in the point but the Indian kills it with a crosscourt winner.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 18-14 PV Sindhu [6]: Just a couple of errors from Sindhu in this phase that she really would have liked to avoid.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 16-12 PV Sindhu [6]: The queen of deception is at it again. A Few times already today she has caught Sindhu expecting one thing and delivering another. A stunning slice drop to go six points ahead. Sindhu closes the gap to four again.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 14-10 PV Sindhu [6]: Best rally of the match for Sindhu. Made TTY reach and lunge a couple of times, stayed in the point, forced the error from her opponent. And next point, TTY takes control again with a straight smash. Sindhu follows that up with the crosscourt smash that we saw so often in Basel. Decent phase for the Indian.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 11-6 PV Sindhu [6]: Mini come on from Sindhu as she sees a lift from TTY go long. And with the shot of the match so far, a signature slice-drop, TTY goes into the interval with a handy lead. Sindhu a bit flat-footed at the moment.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 9-4 PV Sindhu [6]: World No 1 has come out firing. The rallies are short, TTY likes it that way. Sindhu holding back perhaps she is playing with the drift and overcompensating. Long way to go though (hopefully)

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 5-2 PV Sindhu [6]: Sindhu not quite getting her lengths right. And TTY is on the money.

Women’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying 2-1 PV Sindhu [6]: Sindhu lets two shuttles drop in at the backline to start. The Indian has started from the near end, not quite sure who won the toss.

Players on court. TTY is playing after a break post the Olympics of course, and needed three games to defeat Kirsty Gilmour yesterday. She will be the fresher of the two. But Sindhu has match time behind her, and looked in great touch against Chochuwong.

Womens’s singles, [1] Tai Tzu Ying vs PV Sindhu [6]: It’s the 20th meeting between PV Sindhu and Tai Tzu Ying. The world No 1 has a 14-5 advantage but Sindhu has a knack of producing a big performance at the major events. TTY is yet to win a Worlds medal, mind you. She has a quarterfinals jinx to overcome at this event. Sindhu is looking for an amazing SIXTH medal at the event.

Womens’s singles: Can Sindhu take some inspiration or lessons from her sensational quarterfinal win in Basel 2019? It was one of the matches of the tournament as the Indian pulled off a brilliant turnaround on her way to gold.

REPLUG: Basel 2019: How a power-packed PV Sindhu broke down Tai Tzu Ying’s game and resolve

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the BWF World Championships in Huelva, Spain, It is quarterfinals day and medals are at stake for every shuttler in action. Win today, a place on the podium is assured.

Defending champion PV Sindhu, former world No 1 Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen are all into the quarterfinals of the event.

First up in action is the World Champion. World number 7 Sindhu defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand, ranked three places below her, 21-14 21-18 in the pre-quarterfinal match that lasted 48 minutes. With the win, Sindhu, seeded sixth in the showpiece tournament, extended her head-to-head record against Chochuwong to 5-3 and also regained a win to her name after two defeats on the trot. The double Olympic medallist Sindhu faces top seed and world number one Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, who beat Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-10 19-21 21-11, in the quarterfinals.

BWF World C’ships, India’s schedule for day 6: Sindhu vs Tai Tzu the highlight on quarterfinal day

BWF World C’ships, day 5 as it happened: Sindhu, Srikanth, Lakshya, Prannoy reach quarterfinals

(Screenshots in the blog courtesy Tournament Software and Disney+Hotstar)