Sindhu, Jwala-Ashwini settle for bronze in Asian championship

India's teen sensation P V Sindhu and Commonwealth Games gold medallist pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had to settle for bronze medals after losing their respective semifinals matches in the Asian Badminton Championship here.

Gimcheon: India's teen sensation P V Sindhu and Commonwealth Games gold medallist pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa had to settle for bronze medals after losing their respective semifinals matches in the Asian Badminton Championship.

The 18-year-old Sindhu fought hard for one hour and 18 minutes before losing to the two-time reigning All England champion Shixian 21-15 20-22 12-21 in the women's singles competition. In women's doubles, Jwala and Ashwini failed to breach the defence of Luo Yu and Luo Ying, and suffered a 12-21 7-21 loss to the world number 10 Chinese pair here. The 18-year-old fought hard for one hour and 18 minutes before losing to the two-time reinging All England champion Shixian 21-15 20-22 12-21 in the women`s singles competition. The Hyderabadi shuttler had beaten Shixian thrice in the past, but the world number two Chinese had the last laugh in the last two occasions. "It was a close match and she could have won it in the second game itself. But I guess she needs a little bit of experience to consistently beat these Chinese players. Also probably, Sindhu needs to work more on her backhand and forehand returns. Anyways, now she will be playing in Sudirman Cup, so that is the next target," said Sindhu`s father Ramana, who received the Arjuna award in 2000. India ace Saina Nehwal had won the bronze in 2010 Asian Championship in New Delhi. Sindhu has been in good form in recent times as she won the bronze at the world championship, besides wining titles in Malaysia and Macau last year.  In the women's doubles match, former world number 13 pair of Jwala and Ashwini suffered for their inconsistent and inaccurate strokes. The Indian duo tried to engage in long rallies with their rivals but faltered while finishing the points.