World Championships Bring Out the Best in Sindhu
PV Sindhu has enjoyed an extraordinary career, but the Badminton World Championships have always held a special place in her journey.
The Indian shuttler has repeatedly produced some of her best performances on the biggest stage, particularly when facing top Chinese opponents. Her record against China's elite women's singles players has helped create a unique reputation around her at the World Championships.
A Remarkable Record Against Chinese Shuttlers
Since making her mark at the World Championships in 2013, Sindhu has defeated several of China's leading players.
Her list of victories includes former Olympic champion Li Xuerui, world champion Wang Yihan, Wang Shixian and Olympic champion Chen Yufei. These wins have come at a tournament where pressure, expectations and the quality of opposition are exceptionally high.
Wang Zhi Yi Was the Latest Major Scalp
Sindhu's reputation against Chinese players was strengthened again at the 2025 World Championships.
She defeated then-World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi 21-19, 21-15 in the round of 16. Sindhu produced an aggressive display built around her powerful attack, strong net play and ability to maintain pressure throughout the match.
The result was another reminder that Sindhu can raise her level dramatically when the biggest tournament arrives.
Why Chinese Players Struggle Against Sindhu
One of the biggest strengths of Sindhu's game is her ability to combine power with aggression.
Her height and reach allow her to attack from unusual positions, while her steep smash can put opponents under immediate pressure. She can also use body smashes, mid-court attacks and sharp net play to prevent opponents from settling into long rallies.
Against top Chinese players, that combination can disrupt their rhythm and force them into uncomfortable positions.
The Mental Advantage Matters Too
Sindhu's success against Chinese opponents is not purely about technique.
Years of competing against the world's best have given her confidence in high-pressure matches. At the World Championships, she has repeatedly shown that rankings and recent form do not necessarily dictate the outcome when she is able to impose her attacking game.
That belief can become particularly important against opponents who arrive as favourites.
Chen Yufei Remains a Familiar Rival
China's Chen Yufei has also been part of Sindhu's long rivalry with the country's top players.
At the 2026 Japan Open, Sindhu led Chen 21-19, 15-10 before the Chinese former Olympic champion retired with a hamstring problem. The result helped Sindhu reach the final and added to her momentum heading into the World Championships.
Japan Open Title Boosts Sindhu's Confidence
Sindhu's preparation for the 2026 World Championships received another major boost when she won the Japan Open Super 750.
She defeated World No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the final to claim her first Super 750 title since 2018. The victory also marked a significant turnaround after a difficult period in her season.
The title gave the former world champion valuable confidence before another major World Championships campaign.
Gopichand Backs Sindhu Against the Top Players
India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand has also backed Sindhu to challenge the world's leading players.
Gopichand said many top shuttlers struggle to read Sindhu's style and described her as a genuine medal contender at the World Championships. He specifically highlighted her ability to beat players such as Chen Yufei and Han Yue, while identifying reigning World No. 1 An Se-young as a particularly interesting challenge.
Why Sindhu Remains a Major Threat
Sindhu's threat to Chinese players can ultimately be explained through three major factors: experience, attacking power and belief on the biggest stage.
She has already defeated multiple generations of Chinese women's singles stars at the World Championships. That history matters because every new opponent knows that Sindhu has repeatedly produced her best badminton when the tournament matters most.
With the 2026 World Championships approaching and Sindhu arriving after a Japan Open triumph, the Indian star once again has the opportunity to reinforce her reputation as one of China's most difficult opponents on badminton's biggest stage.
