Nguyễn Thùy Linh defeats the world badminton champion for the third consecutive time

(Badminton results) - Nguyễn Thùy Linh continues to frustrate former world number 2 - Pusarla Venkata Sindhu right at the opening round of the renowned India Open.

Game 1: Thùy Linh 20-22Sindhu

The first game was extremely exciting. Nguyễn Thùy Linh started off struggling with poor shuttle feel, allowing Pusarla Venkata Sindhu to lead by 3 points twice, but the Vietnamese player caught up with tricky drop shots and delicate net plays, exploiting Sindhu’s tall stature and less agile movement.

Both players maintained an intense chase in the score afterward. Thùy Linh surprisingly scored 2 consecutive points to gain a game point first. However, the "Vietnamese badminton beauty" couldn’t capitalize and even let PV Sindhu score 3 points in a row, resulting in a narrow loss in the first game.

Game 2: Thùy Linh 21-12 Sindhu

Nguyễn Thùy Linh returned with great strength in the second game. She minimized errors while continuing to deliver unpredictable shots, forcing the tall PV Sindhu to struggle defensively.

After the game’s time-out, Thùy Linh elevated her play, continuously scoring to extend the lead to 6 points. The top Vietnamese player skillfully defended her advantage to push the match into a decisive third game.

Though a legendary Indian player at world-class level, it’s clear that Thùy Linh is a tough opponent for PV Sindhu. Even in Sindhu’s two past wins over Thùy Linh, she had to work extremely hard.

Game 3: Thùy Linh 21-15 Sindhu

In the final set, both players brought their best badminton: Thùy Linh with finesse and precision, Sindhu with power and determination. The score was closely contested early on, Sindhu held a slight edge but Thùy Linh caught up, and from then on, the home player never regained the lead.

The player from Phú Thọ skillfully handled the shuttle and defended stubbornly against Sindhu’s smashes, draining much energy from the 2019 world champion. Seizing the moment, she surged to the finish line, creating one of the biggest surprises at this year’s India Open.

Final result, Nguyễn Thùy Linh defeated Pusarla Venkata Sindhu 2-1 (20-22; 21-12; 21-15). This marks the third consecutive time Thùy Linh has defeated Sindhu, following two wins in 2025 at the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters.

What time will the Nguyễn Thùy Linh vs PV Sindhu badminton match take place?

• Time: expected at 3:40 PM, today January 14
• Tournament: Round 1 of Super 750 India Open 2026
• Court: Court 1, match order 6 (after Jason Teh Jia Heng vs Jonatan Christie)

Skipping the Super 1000 Malaysia Open last week, Nguyễn Thùy Linh decided to start the 2026 season at the Super 750 India Open held in New Delhi, India from January 13 to 18. In her opening match, Thùy Linh faced one of India’s sports icons, former world number 2 and 2019 world champion - Pusarla Venkata Sindhu.

Although having a good head-to-head record by beating PV Sindhu in both meetings in 2025, Thùy Linh is still expected to struggle as her opponent is in excellent form and playing at home. Last week, Sindhu impressively reached the semifinals of the Malaysia Open, only losing to Wang Zhiyi.

If she beats Sindhu, Thùy Linh will advance past the first round of India Open for the first time in her career.

Nguyễn Thùy Linh’s recent form (last 5 matches)

PV Sindhu’s recent form (last 5 matches)

Head-to-head record between Nguyễn Thùy Linh and PV Sindhu