Dubai World Superseries Finals 2017: PV Sindhu beats Sayaka Sato in straight sets, seals place in semis

New Delhi: Ace shuttler PV Sindhu stormed into the semifinals of the Dubai World Superseries on Wednesday after defeating her Japanese counterpart Sayaka Sato in straight sets, 21-13, 21-12. 

Sindhu had a relatively easy match against Sato who failed to make the World No. 3 sweat. Sindhu unleashed a volley of smashes and slices to overpower her opponent in both the games.

She will next face world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi from Japan on Friday in her final group-stage match. Sindhu has a 4-2 head-to-head record against Yamaguchi. 

While Sindhu's comfortable victory on Thursday guaranteed her a spot in the last-four, her match with Yamaguchi will decide who gets the first and second place in their group.

Meanwhile, Kidambi Srikanth lost his second straight group match - going down to Tien Chen of Taiwan 21-18, 21-18.

It was the second time Srikanth played Chen, with the Indian shuttler coming on top in their earlier meeting at the Hong Kong Open. 

Srikanth's second loss in the ongoing tournament has put him out of contention for the semifinals even if he registers a win on Friday.