Two-time world champion Carolina Marin entered the court with just one aim in mind — attack. She used her natural attacking game, moved faster and succeeded brilliantly in keeping the attack away from the tall PV Sindhu, who also came out with the right intention.

She was looking physically stronger, but Marin proved to be a crafty, cunning opponent who played to a simple plan — not allowing the lanky player from Hyderabad play aggressively or get into rhythm. The trajectory of the lifted shuttle was such that Sindhu was not allowed to get under it for smashes.