PV Sindhu blasts BWF over hectic schedule after second-round exit at 2026 China Open
PV Sindhu suffered a three-game loss to China’s Chen Yufei
India’s PV Sindhu levelled heavy criticism on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) following her heartbreaking second-round loss to Chen Yufei at the 2026 China Open in Changzhou on Thursday, July 23.
The Indian shuttler took to social media to question the disparity in recovery time between the two players, which, as per the post, ultimately contributed to her early exit from the Super 1000 tournament.
With badminton removed from the Commonwealth Games 2026, Sindhu took part in the China Open, looking to carry her title-winning form from the recently concluded 2026 Japan Open. However, her journey ended early as she lost 21-16, 20-22, 18-21 to local favourite Chen.
Also Read: Why will PV Sindhu not participate in Commonwealth Games 2026?
Soon after the match, the former world champion posted a lengthy message on social media, criticising the unequal scheduling which did not allow her enough recovery time following her first-round clash against Unnati Hooda on Wednesday.
“About 16 hours for me between matches. 24+ hours for my dear friend Chen (Yufei) tomorrow after having a full day off before facing me today,” Sindhu wrote on X. “Lovely to see recovery being given the importance it deserves. Funny how schedules have a way of taking care of recovery. I only wish they took care of everyone the same way.”
Sindhu lets early lead slip in gruelling battle
Facing world No. 4 Chen, Sindhu made an incredible comeback in the first game. Trailing 7-13, she fought back to level the scores at 16-16. She then won five straight points to clinch the opener.
However, the Hyderabad native could not hold on to her momentum in the second game, despite leading by four match points at 20-16. But Chen won six consecutive points to win 22-20.
Related: BWF China Open 2026: Updated schedule, fixtures, results & live streaming details
The decider was even more closely fought, with the scores locked at 17-17. However, Chen put on the afterburners to win the match, which lasted for almost one and a half hours.
As a result, the Chinese shuttler sealed a place in the quarter-final, where she will face Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon on Friday.
Who won PV Sindhu vs Chen Yufei match at China Open 2026?
Chen Yufei defeated PV Sindhu in a three‑game battle (21‑16, 20‑22, 21‑18) during their second‑round clash on July 23, 2026.
What did PV Sindhu say in her post following her exit from China Open 2026?
In her post, Sindhu said, “About 16 hours for me between matches. 24+ hours for my dear friend Chen (Yufei) tomorrow after having a full day off before facing me today,” Sindhu wrote on X. “Lovely to see recovery being given the importance it deserves. Funny how schedules have a way of taking care of recovery. I only wish they took care of everyone the same way.”
When will PV Sindhu be in action next on the BWF World Tour?
Sindhu is next scheduled to participate at the BWF World Championships on home soil, next month.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.