Two-time Olympic medalist shuttler PV Sindhu bowed out of the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024, a BWF World Tour Super 500 series tournament, after losing to Canada’s Michelle Li in their second-round clash on Thursday.

Sindhu, ranked 20th in the world, failed to maintain her momentum after winning the opening game against the Canadian. Michelle Li fought back strongly in the final two games, winning the thrilling encounter 21-17, 16-21, 17-21 in one hour and 15 minutes.

Sindhu began strong, taking the first game 21-17. Both players displayed impressive control and precision, but Sindhu managed to edge ahead, using her attacking play to build a lead before the interval. After the break, she continued to press and eventually won the first game on her fourth game point.

In the second game, however, Michelle responded with remarkable agility and sharp shot selection, taking control of the rallies and leveling the match at 21-16. Her tactical adjustments disrupted Sindhu’s rhythm and set up a decisive third game.

The final game was a thriller, with Sindhu initially leading 4-1 and holding a narrow 11-9 advantage at the changeover. However, her opponent’s relentless focus helped her fight back, and she surged ahead late in the game to secure a 21-17 victory. This marks only the third time Li has defeated Sindhu in their 13 meetings.

With the early loss in the tournament, Sindhu’s hope of winning her first title since the Singapore Open in 2022 and ending a 24-month drought has been further delayed. Her loss marks the end of India’s run in the tournament.

Earlier, Lakshya Sen was defeated after losing a one-game lead, with a score of 22-20, 17-21, 16-21 against Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao in the men’s singles round of 32. Additionally, the women’s doubles team of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand faced a first-round exit.