This refers to the report, “Sindhu is silver girl as gold eludes shuttler” (August 28). PV Sindhu was the overwhelming favourite before the finals of the 2017 BWF World Championships, despite her giving way to Japan's Nozomi Okuhara. Sindhu's win over the defending All England Open in Birmingham earlier this year, was expected to give her a psychological edge. Though the Indian shuttler started well, she couldn't keep the momentum, gaining an early lead in the first set, only to let it slip. In the end the shorter player appeared less exhausted and in a better position to retrieve the shuttle in long rallies that marked the one hour and forty-nine minutes epic battle, which not only tested the nerves and endurance of both the top players but also kept the packed stadium and screen viewers on the edge of their seats.
The lightning speed with which both graceful athletes moved was mesmerising, nevertheless. Ultimately, one player had to scrape through and it was Okuhara. Sindhu perhaps, played the match of her career and the hardworking shuttler has many more medals beckoning her. Coaches Pullela Gopichand and Mulyo Handoyo may look at a few chinks in Sindhu's armour to improve upon her smashes, most likely by using her height. They should also look at her temperament, as this girl has all credentials to be one of the world's all time greats.