PV Sindhu Opens Paris Olympics 2024 Campaign With Dominant Straight Games Win Over Fathimath Razzaq

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In a commanding display of skill and precision, PV Sindhu effortlessly secured her first victory at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a straight games win over Maldives' Fathimath Razzaq at La Chapelle Arena on Sunday (July 28).

The match, which lasted a mere 29 minutes, showcased Sindhu's relentless dominance and tactical superiority as the Indian overcame the Maldives opponent 21-9, 21-6. The 29-year-old aims for her third successive Olympics medal in Paris 2024, having won a medal each in the previous two outings.

The Indian won silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2021 and is on the quest for a record third. Sindhu had a relatively easy group stage draw at the Summer Games, being drawn in Group M alongside Maldivian Razzaq and Estonia's Kristin Kuuba. However, as soon as she enters the round of 16, she will face more difficult challenges.

From the outset of the first game, Sindhu took control. In the first game, she quickly gained the upper hand, leading 11-4 at the mid-game interval. Fathimath struggled to keep up with Sindhu's aggressive pace and pinpoint smashes.

Sindhu capitalized on her opponent's errors, pulling ahead with a series of consecutive points. A precise net shot by Sindhu left Fathimath floundering, resulting in a 21-9 win for the Indian shuttler.

The second game followed a similar pattern. Sindhu started strong, taking an early lead at 4-1. Despite some resistance from Fathimath, who managed to force a few errors from Sindhu, the Indian athlete remained composed. By the mid-game interval, Sindhu led 11-3, a scoreline echoing the first game's dominance.

Sindhu's fierce smashes and strategic placements left Fathimath with little room to maneuver. Points flowed smoothly for Sindhu as she extended her lead to 18-6. A powerful smash that Fathimath failed to return signaled the nearing end.

Ultimately, Sindhu clinched the second game 21-6, sealing her victory. The Indian, who sits at the top of Group M after her win over Razzaq, will next take on Estonia's Kristin Kuuba.