I have really worked hard for this: Sindhu

Sindhu is ecstatic after her win over Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. Pic/PTI

Reigning world champion PV Sindhu kept alive India's hopes of a first-ever Olympic gold in badminton by reaching the semi-finals of the women's singles with a straight-game win over World No. 5 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi on Friday.

Sindhu, 26, who won a silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics, defended brilliantly and rode on her attacking all-round game to outclass Yamaguchi 21-13, 22-20 in a 56-minute quarter-final clash.

Yamaguchi had scripted a late comeback in the second game, grabbing two game points but Sindhu ensured there were no hiccups, registering her 12th win over Yamaguchi in 19 meetings.

"I wasn't nervous even though she was at game point, my coach was saying: ‘It's okay, keep the focus and you'll get there.' He was constantly supporting me and that got me by and I'm happy I got back in two games," Sindhu said. "I have really worked hard for this and it is not over it. For me it's time to go back, relax and get ready for the next match. I'm happy but I need to prepare for the next match."

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