Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu lost to young An Seyong at the end of her women’s singles campaign in the semi-final stage of the Korea Open Super 500 badminton tournament.
The third seeded Indian did everything possible but could not find a way to lose 14-21, 17-21 to the world No. 4 Korean in 48 minutes.
The 20-year-old Ann Seong displayed enough of her athleticism with diving returns to keep the rallies alive and not falter in her accuracy, leaving Sindhu to act as a catch-up right from the start.
The second-seeded Korean rode on his superb recovery skills to take a 6-1 lead.
Thereafter, she dived twice sharply on both sides to blunt Sindhu’s attack and sealed it with a pleasant drop.
Two powerful returns propelled Sindhu to 4-7, but N Seyoung delivered two accurate returns, a body blow and then another over-the-head return at the break to take a healthy 11-6 lead.
Sindhu tried to pick up the pace but N Seong showed a variety of shots to always be a step ahead. The Indian got some points from her smashes but could not put pressure on the Korean.
Ek Seong tackled Sindhu’s two weak lifts and then got eight-game points, two of which were saved by the Indian, before the Korean comfortably sealed a Lightning straight smash.
Sindhu got off to a good 3-0 lead after a change in the end, but N Seong was soon to lead 5-3.
The Indian grabbed two quick points before the match, which turned out to be a tough fight with Sindhu’s accurate forecourt return, matched by a fast-moving smash from the Korean.
Sindhu’s net winner held the score at 9-9 after a long shot, but the Korean was relentless in her comeback and Sindhu quickly took a two-point lead with a shot over the net.
Sindhu continued to lower her opponent’s neck at 12-14, leaving the Korean long and over the net.
A service error from An Seong kept it 14-16 before the Korean delivered a cross court return and Sindhu also missed a few shots, an 18-14 advantage for the local hope.
Sindhu scored three consecutive points to keep the match alive, but An Seong sent one away from the Indian’s backhand, which went over the net to gift the Korean three match points.
An Seong sealed it with another smash and happily went down on her knees.