PV Sindhu exits Asian Games 2026 singles quarter-finals: Chen Yufei completes comeback after 122-second rally

At Aichi-Nagoya, PV Sindhu's bid for an Asian Games 2026 women's singles medal came to an end. The two-time Olympic medallist from India lost to China's Chen Yufei in the quarter-final, 21-11, 18-21, 10-21. Chen Yufei overturned a sluggish start and completed the comeback after a decisive 122-second rally in the third game. Sindhu began brilliantly. She attacked from the first point, using powerful smashes and well-timed drop shots to dominate the first game, which she won 21-11. The contest looked set for a straight-games victory. Chen Yufei, the Tokyo 2026 Olympic champion, adjusted in the second game. She slowed down the tempo, used deep lifts and cross-court shots to move Sindhu around the court. The Indian shuttler had no answer and lost the second game 21-18. The deciding game turned on a marathon 122-second rally early on. Chen won that point and took control from there. She never surrendered the initiative, extending her lead steadily to close out the third game 21-10. The loss ends Sindhu's singles campaign at the Games. She leaves with a quarter-final finish, a below-par result for one of India's most successful shuttlers. Chen Yufei advanced to the semi-finals. The match once again highlighted Sindhu's pattern of starting strongly but struggling when opponents change the rhythm. Chen's patient defending and tactical shifts made Sindhu work harder, reducing the power of her attacks. The 122-second rally proved to be the tipping point. For India, the early exit raises questions about depth and planning around Sindhu's career. For Chen, the win confirms her status as one of the favorites and gives her momentum for the rest of the tournament.