Indonesia Masters: PV Sindhu Eyes Podium Finish; Saina Nehwal, Sameer Verma Pull Out Due To Injuries

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will continue her quest for a podium finish at the Indonesia Masters Super 750 tournament but compatriots Saina Nehwal and Sameer Verma will be missing in action after deciding to pull out of the tournament with injuries.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will continue her quest for a podium finish when she spearheads India's challenge at the Indonesia Masters Super 750 tournament but compatriots Saina Nehwal and Sameer Verma will be missing in action after deciding to pull out of the tournament due to injuries. Sindhu, who had claimed a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics to go with her Rio silver medal, reached the quarterfinals and semifinals at Denmark and France before skipping the Hylo Open in Germany.

The 2019 World Championship in Switzerland was Sindhu's last title. She reached the final at Swiss Open early this year but it ended with a loss.

The third seeded Indian, however, has good memories of Indonesia as she had reached the finals at Jakarta two years back and will look to make a good start when she faces Thailand's Supanida Katethong in the opener.

Sindhu is likely to cross swords with Spain's Clara Azurmendi and Canada's sixth seed Michelle Li in the next two rounds and a clash against top seeded Japanese Akane Yamaguchi could be on the cards in the semifinals if she can cross the initial rounds.

Saina, the London Olympics bronze-medallist, and Sameer, who looked in good touch in the last two events, will miss the Indonesia leg to recover from their respective injuries.