Two-time Olympic medallist
Sindhu’s progression sets up a high-profile last-eight clash against top seed and former world champion
Sindhu and Intanon Set for Quarter-Final Showdown
The path to the quarter-finals required Sindhu to demonstrate composure during critical junctures of her match against Gunji. In the opening game, the score remained deadlocked at 15-15 before the Indian player accelerated, claiming six consecutive points to take the lead. The second game followed a similar pattern, with Gunji drawing level at 13-13, only for Sindhu to regain control by winning eight of the final ten points to close out the contest.
Sindhu enters the next round buoyed by a successful 2026 season, highlighted by her Japan Open Super 750 title victory over reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi in July. Her opponent, Intanon, also arrives in strong form, having secured the Malaysia Masters Super 500 title in May. The Thai top seed booked her place in the quarter-finals by defeating India’s Tanvi Sharma 21-18, 21-7. Although Sharma challenged the top seed early on, drawing level at 17-17 in the first game, Intanon’s experience proved decisive as she dominated the second game to seal the win.
Mixed Results for Indian Contingent in Finland
While Sindhu remains in contention, the men’s singles campaign for India concluded on Thursday. Tharun Mannepalli, who had successfully navigated the qualifying rounds and an opening-round victory over Magnus Johannesen, was eliminated by second seed Christo Popov of France. Despite a spirited 50-minute effort, Mannepalli fell 21-14, 21-19, marking the end of India's representation in the men's singles draw following earlier exits for Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, and Rounak Chouhan.
Despite the singles setbacks, India’s presence in the tournament continues in the men’s doubles category. Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy are set to compete in their round of 16 match against England’s Oliver Butler and Samuel Jones later on Thursday.
