Sindhu Beats Kjaersfeldt in Straight Games to Win Title

New Delhi, November 1: India's PV Sindhu won the Hylo Open Super 500 title in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Sunday, defeating Denmark's Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt in straight games. It is her second title of the season and adds to a strong run of form.

The final was completed in 39 minutes, with Sindhu winning 21-12, 21-14. Kjaersfeldt, the eighth seed at the tournament, could not match Sindhu's accuracy and pace. Sindhu was seeded second in the draw.

The tournament carries a prize money of 500,000 US dollars. Sindhu, ranked world No. 8, beat an opponent ranked 25th in the world by using precise shots, clever strokes and effective net play.

Sindhu had lost the French Open final last week, where she finished as runner-up. Her Saarbrucken triumph follows her Japan Open title in July. The former world champion has therefore enjoyed a productive stretch during the season.

The victory brought Sindhu 9,200 ranking points. These points boost her hopes of qualifying for the BWF World Tour Finals at the end of the season.

Sindhu entered the final with a 6-1 head-to-head lead over Kjaersfeldt. The Danish shuttler's only win against Sindhu had come at the 2015 Sudirman Cup Finals.

Sindhu began aggressively and took the first point with a cross-court winner. Some unforced errors let Kjaersfeldt draw level at 3-3. Sindhu then imposed herself at the net and in the rallies, building a lead of 8-5.

In the first game, she maintained control with accurate and attacking shots. A brilliant backhand winner helped her reach 17-12, and she closed out the game 21-12 with her first game point.

In the second game, Sindhu moved to 6-3 and then recovered quickly after Kjaersfeldt attempted a fightback, winning several winners in a row to lead 10-6. Kjaersfeldt struggled to play at the net, and Sindhu extended her lead to 17-11.

An aggressive return gave Sindhu six championship points. When Kjaersfeldt made another net mistake, Sindhu won the title on her first opportunity.