PV Sindhu has been in tremendous form in the ongoing Denmark Open, which helped the Indian reach her first Superseries final, after defeating world champion Carolina Marin on Saturday. Sindhu has a chance to lift her maiden Superseries title as she squares off against China's Li Xuerui on Sunday.
However, it is not going to be an easy task against the experienced Chinese, who defeated some top class players such as Wang Shixian and Sung Ji Hyun in the quarters and semifinals respectively. Li Xuerui is also the defending Denmark Open champion.
Sindhu's route to the final has been a brilliant one as well, as she came up with huge victories against Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying and China's Wang Yihan in the second round and quarterfinals respectively, before defeating Marin in the last-four.
With both players having shown some great form in the Denmark Open, the final is expected to be a humdinger of a contest. There is nothing to choose between the two, as their head-to-head record suggests. They have met four times in the past, and have two victories each against their name.
Sindhu, who faced Xuerui in the World Championship, defeated the Chinese in an entertaining three-set affair. The Indian shuttler put up a huge performance against Xuerui then and badminton fans in India will keep their fingers crossed for a similar performance from the unseeded player during the Denmark Open final.
Sindhu, who has been the lone survivor for India in the Denmark Open, after top shuttlers such as Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth exited early, has come up with some quality play from the baseline as well as the net.
What has been refreshing for Sindhu this Denamrk Open has been her performance at the net alongside her defence, which has helped her reach the final of the competition. SIndhu's performance in the Denmark Open has reflected her overall marked improvement in her game. Her defence against Marin was spot on as she frustrated the world champion, time and again.
Sinhdu should come up with a similar ploy against Li Xuerui, who is a dangerous player with her lethal smashes. The Chinese possesses all the shots in the book.
Apart from her skills, the Chinese player has huge experience of playing in such big finals, which might play a big role on Sunday, as Li Xuerui has won a number of titles including the 2012 London Olympics gold.
Where to watch live
PV Sindhu vs Li Xuerui Denmark Open final is scheduled for 3pm local time* (6:30pm IST) start.
Star Sports 4/HD will offer live coverage of the PV Sindhu vs Li Xuerui Denmark Open final in India, while live streaming option is also available on starsports.com.
Click here for all the live score updates.
*Expected start time could change as per the duration of other matches.
