Red card drama clouds PV Sindhu’s Indonesia Masters quarter-final exit

India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu exited the Indonesia Masters 500 after a straight-game quarter-final defeat to world number one Chen Yu Fei in Jakarta on Friday, January 23, in a match marked by on-court drama that saw the Indian shown a red card during the second game.

Sindhu was beaten 21-13, 21-17 by the top-seeded Chinese opponent in a match that saw intense exchanges, controversial moments, and a brief disciplinary flashpoint on Court 1.

The contest began with Chen asserting early control. She repeatedly targeted Sindhu’s backhand with well-placed half-smashes, disrupting the Indian’s rhythm and limiting her attacking opportunities. Sindhu struggled to gain momentum as rallies ended quickly in Chen’s favour.

Although Sindhu managed to stay within touching distance at 8-11, the tide turned sharply once Chen began unleashing full-power smashes towards the forehand side. Sindhu found it difficult to retrieve those shots, and even when she reached them, her returns lacked the required depth, allowing Chen to close points swiftly.

Late in the opening game, Sindhu spotted space in the forecourt on Chen Yu Fei’s backhand side and collected two quick points. However, the adjustment came too late, with Chen sealing the first game 21-13.

The second game opened on a more balanced note. Playing from the faster end of the court, Sindhu used sharp cross-court drops and precise placement to take early control. She stretched Chen across the court and dictated rallies with improved variation.

Momentum shifted after Sindhu lost two challenges in quick succession. While one decision was clearly wide, the second appeared far closer. With both reviews gone by the time she reached 12 points, frustration began to build.

When another tight call went against her soon after, Sindhu reacted strongly towards the line judge. Sindhu’s animated protest resulted in a yellow card, followed shortly by a red card for delaying play before receiving serve. The situation escalated enough for the match referee to intervene and calm both the player and the officials.

Following discussions, the red card was later withdrawn, allowing play to continue.

What followed was a brief but dramatic resurgence. Driven by emotion and urgency, Sindhu launched an aggressive push, winning successive points to narrow the deficit to 17-18. For a moment, the contest looked wide open again.

However, the intense burst proved difficult to sustain. Chen Yu Fei steadied herself, regained control of the rallies, and closed out the match 21-17 to book her place in the semi-finals.

With Sindhu’s exit and Lakshya Sen also crashing out earlier, India’s singles challenge at the Indonesia Masters came to an end at the quarter-final stage.