Olympics: Sindhu becomes first Indian to reach Olympic badminton final

Rio de Janeiro - Sindhu will take on world number one Marin for the gold medal on Friday

PV Sindhu has finally emerged from the shadow of her more illustrious compatriot Saina Nehwal to join the pantheon of Indian badminton greats.
Her 21-19 21-10 victory over Japanese world number three Nozomi Okuhara made her the first Indian badminton player to reach the final in the Olympics.
Her path to the final at the Rio games hasn't been easy tough. She had to beat world number two Wang Yihan of China 22-20, 21-19 in the quarterfinal.
Against the Japanese rival on Thursday, Sindhu was solid in the hard-fought first game. But in the second game, Okuhara just couldn't cope with Sindhu's shot-making skills.   
Sindhu will now take on world number one Carolina Marin of Spain for the gold medal on Friday.
Sidhu had beaten the Spaniard in the last match they played in the Denmark Open last year. Overall, Marin enjoys a 3-1 head-to-head record against the Indian.
"It's not like pressure but it is a big moment for me playing in the final, so it's just I have to do my best and play my 100 percent game and that's all I feel," Sidhu said after the match.
"Of course, (Marin) is a very tough opponent. It's not going to be easy tomorrow because it's another big final. And she's really playing well.
"She played brilliantly against Li Xuerui today. So I suggest that tomorrow, who plays well and gives their best is the winner."
Marin beat China's reigning champion Li Xuerui 21-14 21-16 in the first semifinal on Thursday.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow. I will give everything I have on the court to get the gold medal that I want so badly," said the 23-year-old Spaniard.
"I am excited because I have trained so hard, but it was worth it."
The final starts at 6pm UAE time on Friday.