PV Sindhu ends string of early exits to reach R-of-16 in China Open

P V Sindhu put behind a string of early exits this year to reach the round-of-16 at the China Open Super 1000 event with a thrilling victory over Japan's Tomoka Miyazaki, 21-15, 8-21, 21-17.

Sindh had a disappointing first-round exit at the Super 750 Japan Open last week, where she lost to Korea's Sim Yu Jin in straight games. It was Sindhu's fifth first-round exit of the year.

The double Olympic medallist has slipped to 15th in the world after a series of poor results this season. Sindhu could not advance beyond the second round in the Indonesia Open, Singapore Open, Malaysia Masters, Asian Championships, Swiss Open, All England Open and Indonesia Masters.

Sindhu had lost to 18-year-old Miyazaki, who is World No. 6, at the Swiss Open last year.

In their latest battle, Sindhu began strongly and took a 13-5 lead, sealing the game. Miyazaki bounced back in the second game, in which she took nine points in a row. Sindhu clinched the decider.

Meanwhile, India's doubles pair of Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda lost to Hong Kong's Nga Ting Yeung and Pui Lam Yeung 12-21, 13-21.