Our Bureau
Paris
India’s P.V. Sindhu finished runner-up at the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament after losing to world No. 1 An Se Young of South Korea in a three-game women’s singles final on Sunday. The two-time Olympic medallist went down 21-16, 11-21, 12-21 to the reigning Olympic champion, who secured her fourth French Open title and 11th crown of the season. The 31-year-old Indian made an impressive start, using her reach, attacking strokes and deceptive net play to trouble her opponent. Sindhu claimed the opening game 21-16 in 20 minutes, raising hopes of an upset against the tournament’s top seed.
However, Young responded strongly in the second game, improving her control of the rallies and capitalising on Sindhu’s errors to establish a commanding lead. The South Korean won the game 21-11 to level the contest and force a decider.
Sindhu continued to fight in the final game, building an early 8-5 advantage through sharp returns and aggressive play. Young gradually recovered, drawing level at 8-8 before taking control with powerful smashes and precise placement. The Korean extended her lead and closed out the game 21-12 to seal the title.
The defeat extended Sindhu’s losing record against Young to 11 matches, with the Indian yet to register a victory over the South Korean. Sindhu was also seeking to become the first Indian woman since Aparna Popat in 1998 to win the French Open singles title.
Despite the loss, Sindhu’s campaign offered encouragement as she reached her maiden French Open final. She entered the summit clash after defeating Japan’s Hina Akechi 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 in the semi-final.
Sindhu had earlier won the Japan Open in July, securing her first title since December 2024. Her French Open performance further underlined her ability to challenge the world’s leading players, even as the title continued to elude her.