PV Sindhu Survives 19-8 Collapse to Beat Supanida Katethong in French Open Thriller

India's PV Sindhu survived a remarkable late scare to defeat Thailand's Supanida Katethong in the opening round of the French Open on Wednesday, October 21.

The two-time Olympic medallist looked set for a comfortable victory after building a commanding 19-8 lead in the deciding game. However, Katethong won 11 consecutive points to draw level at 19-19, turning what appeared to be a routine finish into a nerve-racking battle.

Sindhu eventually recovered her composure to clinch the decider 23-21, completing a 21-14, 8-21, 23-21 victory in 64 minutes and booking her place in the second round.

Sindhu Dominates First Game Before Katethong Fights Back

Sindhu began the contest on the front foot, taking the opening game 21-14 with her attacking play and ability to control rallies. Katethong, however, responded emphatically in the second game, capitalising on Sindhu's struggles to win 21-8 and force a decider.

The third game produced the match's defining moment. Sindhu appeared firmly in control at 19-8, but a sudden loss of momentum allowed Katethong to string together 11 successive points and level the score at 19-19.

With the match hanging in the balance, Sindhu rediscovered her attacking instincts and produced crucial shots to regain the advantage. Katethong continued to threaten, but the Indian held on to seal the game 23-21 and avoid a stunning first-round exit.

PV Sindhu Reflects on French Open Escape

Sindhu acknowledged the difficulty of the contest in a post-match message on X, recognising that the victory was more about finding a way through than delivering a flawless performance.

"Some matches you just have to find a way to win. Today was one of those," Sindhu wrote.

The Indian also credited Katethong for making her work for every point and admitted that there were aspects of her performance to review.

The result nevertheless gives Sindhu a valuable opportunity to build momentum at the Super 750 tournament. The experienced shuttler remains one of India's biggest names in women's singles, having won Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Who Will PV Sindhu Face Next?

Sindhu is scheduled to face Japan's Riko Gunji in the second round on Thursday, October 22. Gunji progressed after defeating India's Unnati Hooda in three games, winning 21-18, 12-21, 21-17.

The narrow escape against Katethong will give Sindhu plenty to analyse before her next match. While her ability to produce decisive attacking shots under pressure remains a major weapon, the dramatic collapse from 19-8 to 19-19 highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration until the final point.

For Sindhu, the immediate priority will be to carry the confidence of the hard-earned victory into the next round while avoiding the lapses that nearly cost her the match.