Hong Kong Super Series: PV Sindhu edges past Liang Xiayou in pulsating encounter, seals semi-final berth

PV Sindhu played her toughest match of the year as she came back from behind to defeat Liang Xiayou of Singapore 21-17, 21-23, 21-18 in a pulsating encounter and seal a spot in the semifinals.

The Rio Olympic silver medalist overturned a six-point deficit in the third and final game against her Singapore's opponent to win the match.

She sets up a potential all-Indian semi-final against Saina Nehwal, who is slated to play Cheung Ngan Yi in the other quarter-final later in the day.

The Indian shuttler got off to a poor start against Xiayou as she trailed 7-4 at the beginning of the first game. The Singapore shuttler played some attacking badminton and put pressure on Sindhu.

However, Sindhu rallied to win four consecutive points as the Singapore shuttler squandered the chance. She capitalised on the momentum to take the lead. Sindhu had a four-point advantage heading towards the close but Xiayou closed the gap.

Sindhu, ranked world number nine, maintained her nerve and closed out the first game 21-17.

Sindhu once again got off to a poor start as she trailed Xiayou 6-3 in the second game. However, like the first game, the Singapore shuttler let the advantage slip and Sindhu leveled the game 6-6.

Both players played with aggression and at 10-10, the game was interestingly poised. A couple of unforced errors from Xiayou gave Sindhu a two-point advantage and she did not let go. Xiayou tried to make up but Sindhu raced away to a four-point lead as the match neared the end.