Sindhu, Saina, Jwala, Ashwini reach quarters

Two-time bronze-winner P V Sindhu stayed on course for another medal after a stunning display while Saina Nehwal and doubles combine of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa also put themselves in line for a podium finish in the World Badminton Championship here on Thursday . It was women power on display on Thursday  as Sindhu stunned Olympic champion and former World No. 1 Chinese Li Xuerui 21-17 14-21 21-17 in a battle that lasted 50 minutes, while Olympic bronze medallist Saina too made it to the final eight for the sixth time after beating 14th-seeded Sayaka Takahashi of Japan 21-18 21-14 in 47 minutes. “I’m happy, I played well. It was anyone’s game in the decider. It was 14 all, so there I took the lead and I won. So hope I play well in the next match too,” Sindhu said after the match. 

The 11th seeded Sindhu will next take on <g data-gr-id="16">eighth seeded</g> Sung Ji-<g data-gr-id="15">hyun</g> of South Korea, whom she has beaten thrice in the past, while second seed Saina will face old nemesis Wang Yihan of China, who has beaten the Indian nine times in the last 11 meetings. Glasgow Commonwealth Games silver medallists Jwala and Ashwini too notched up a thrilling 21-15 18-21 21-19 over 8th seed Japanese pair of Reika Kakiiwa and Miyuki Maeda in a 58-minute battle.