As soon as the BWF Super Series Finals women's singles draws were announced, all eyes fell on Group B, where the two Rio Olympics finalists -- PV Sindhu and Carolina Marin -- were drawn together. The Spaniard emerged victorious then, but the Indian star will hope to take revenge as the two shuttlers will be in action for a must-win game on Friday.
Marin has not been able to script a single win in the competition so far, but she is still in the competition if she manages to get past Sindhu and other results also go her way. The other Group B match between Sun Yu, who has won two out of two so far, and Akane Yamaguchi could have a huge bearing on the two semi-finalists from the pool.
Click here for PV Sindhu vs Carolina Marin live blog
If Marin manages to emerge victorious against Sindhu and Akane loses, it means Sun Yu will finish on top of the group, and the second spot will be among one of three with one win each. It is going to boil down to points and games in the competition.
If Sindhu scripts a win and Akane loses, no such confusion will be created as the Indian shuttler with two wins can reach the final four. But if Akane wins against Sun Yu, and Sindhu also wins, there will be three players with two wins each, meaning two out of the three will progress, depending on points and games won so far.
With Sun Yu's clash against Akane taking shape much earlier than Sindhu's match, the Indian shuttler will have a much clearer picture of the exact requirement for her to reach the semis.
Sindhu and Marin will not be thinking too much about the tough calculations that might take place, depending on results. The two players, who were involved in a tough Rio Olympics final, will hope to give their best and emerge victorious.
Sindhu and Marin are both stupendous players, and the Spaniard might have a slight edge after her win over the Indian in the gold medal match. But Marin has not been in winning form in the Super Series Finals, which Sindhu will hope to capitalise in the all-important contest.
Sindhu, known for her aggressive plays from the baseline, will hope to come all guns blazing and deliver at the net as well, where Marin is brilliant. Sindhu also has to watch out for Marin's half smash. With this being the last match in women's singles on Friday, we are set for a thrilling finish to the group stages.
Where to watch live
PV Sindhu vs Carolina Marin BWF Super Series Finals 2016 is scheduled to start at 5:30 pm local time (7 pm IST) approximately. Here are the TV and live streaming options.
India: TV: Star Sports 2/HD. Live streaming: Hotstar
International viewers can also click here for live streaming
