BWF World Tour Finals: PV Sindhu loses to World no. 1 Tai Tzu Ying

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu had a hard luck. Despite having a good show, she lost to World No. 1, second-seeded Tai Tzu Ying from Chinese Taipei 21-19, 12-21, 17-21 in her first match of the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sindhu found the early lead in the opening game at 2-0 owing to Tai Tzu's error, which she broke with a smash at her body. A neck-to-neck game ensued with both the players finding corners of the court to take it 5-5. A series of errors costed Sindhu more points and at interval she was trailing at 8-11. Sindhu recovered soon with her powerful attack to make it 10-11. Tai Tzu kept in playing a few deceiving strokes to lead 14-10. Followed by successive errors took Sindhu to 16-16. The close encounter followed to make 19-19. A challenge and a smash earned Sindu the game.

Tai Tzu erupted in the second game and led 6-0. Sindhu slowly tried to regain her momentum, but the Tai Tzu kept on with her deceptive game and dominated her way to 11-4. Tai Tzu went on crsing at 16-8 and eventually won 21-12.

A thrilling competition ensued in the third game where Sindhu equalled 7-7. However, Tai Tzu had the upper hand to lead 11-9. Tai Tzu's immaculate drop shots ferried her to 17-13. And eventually to 21-17.

Sindhu in her draw has World No.1 Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei), home favourite Ratchanok Intanon and Pornpawee Chochuwong. Sindhu was nowhere near her best – nor expected to be if the Olympics are the target as she will want to peak in Tokyo.