PV Sindhu Rues Losing Historic Gold Medal

An "upset" P V Sindhu rued that a historic gold medal at the World Badminton Championships slipped through her hands in the dying moments of the thrilling final against Nozomi Okuhara of Japan.

Sindhu and Okuhara fought tooth and nail in the gripping summit clash, described by many as the best women's singles final in recent times. The Japanese won 21-19 20-22 22-20.

"I am upset. In the third game, it was anybody's game at 20-all. Everybody aims for gold and I was there very close but that last moment changed everything," she said referring to crucial unforced error at 20-20 in the deciding game.

Talking about the final, which was the longest match of the tournament, lasting one hour and 49 minutes, Sindhu said, "It was mentally and physically very tough".

Sindhu said overall the world championship final has been very satisfying for the Indians.

"We Indians are very proud that we won two medals with Saina also doing well. I am proud that I could win a silver for the country. It has given me a lot of confidence and I would come back to win more titles in future." The Indian, who now has won three World Championship medals, said there was no need to tinker with the format and scoring pattern of the sport.

Okuhara had lost to Sindhu in the semi-finals of the Olympic Games last year in Rio de Janeiro and the Japanese said she had learnt a lot from that match.