BWF World Championships: PV Sindhu bounces back from slow start, enters Round 2

PV Sindhu Survives Early Scare to Cruise Past Bulgaria’s Nalbantova in World Championships Opener.

Former world champion PV Sindhu overcame a shaky start to defeat Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova in straight games, 23–21, 21–6, in the first round of the BWF World Championships 2025 at the Adidas Arena in Paris on Tuesday, 26 August.

The 2019 champion, who has struggled for consistency in 2025, looked tentative in the early exchanges. Ranked 69 in the world, Nalbantova came out aggressively, while Sindhu gifted several points through unforced errors, falling 0–4 early and entering the mid-game interval trailing by four points.

However, Sindhu quickly regained control. She stormed back, winning seven of the next eight points, dictating rallies, and closing the gap to 14–12. Despite the Bulgarian staying close, Sindhu held her nerve in a tense finish to the first game. Nalbantova had a game point at 20–19, but a cross-court drop sailed into the net, allowing Sindhu to edge out the opener 23–21 after saving two game points.

Freed by the first-game triumph, Sindhu found her rhythm in the second game, producing a barrage of cross-court winners and dominating her opponent. She rattled off 15 consecutive points, sealing the match in just 38 minutes and advancing comfortably to the second round.

Sindhu, a five-time World Championship medallist, now looks to build momentum at one of her favourite tournaments.