Asian Games 2026: PV Sindhu exits women's singles quarter-finals after losing to Chen Yufei in three games

PV Sindhu's individual campaign at the Asian Games 2026 ended on Sunday as the Indian shuttler lost to China's Chen Yufei in the women's singles quarter-final, going down 21-11, 18-21, 10-21 at the Aichi-Nagoya venue. Sindhu made a brilliant start, dominating the first game 21-11 with a sharp and precise display that left her Chinese opponent struggling. However, Chen Yufei responded strongly in the second game, adjusting her tactics to extend rallies and force Sindhu into long-distance exchanges. The Chinese player levelled the match by winning the second game 21-18. The turning point of the deciding game came early, when a marathon 122-second rally shifted the momentum firmly in Chen Yufei's favour. The world number one candidate never relinquished control, pulling away steadily to win the third game 21-10 and clinch a comeback victory. The defeat ends Sindhu's singles run at the Asian Games, marking a below-par finish for one of India's most accomplished shuttlers. Despite the strong start, Sindhu could not sustain her intensity against Chen Yufei's relentless defensive game and superior stamina in the deciding stages. Chen Yufei now advances to the semi-finals with a huge confidence boost, while Sindhu faces questions about how to adapt her attacking style to counter the younger generation's physicality and endurance.