Nozomi v Sindhu for Gold! – Day 4: HSBC BWF World Tour Finals
Badminton fans, get ready – Nozomi Okuhara and Pusarla V Sindhu are coming to your screens again in another blockbuster!
· GAYLE ALLEYNE
The fast-growing rivalry between two of the biggest Women’s Singles stars will add another instalment tomorrow when the fierce competitors clash for the season-ending championship at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Guangzhou, China.
Both players advanced to the gold-medal showdown in straight games this afternoon, Okuhara (featured image; left) having the measure of her compatriot and defending champion, Akane Yamaguchi, while Pusarla (featured image; right) withstood a spirited surge from Ratchanok Intanon at the end of the second game. The Thai ace – who won the World title at the same Tianhe Gymnasium in 2013 – failed to capitalise on three game points as her big-hitting and long-reaching opponent prevailed 21-16 25-23 to reach the Finals showpiece for the second successive year.
Earlier, smooth operator Okuhara ended Yamaguchi’s quest for back-to-back Finals titles, efficiently repelling her teammate’s challenge, 21-17 21-14. The result marked a heartening return for the 2016 Finals champion who was unable to defend her crown last year due to an injury to her right knee.