Sindhu laments poor line calls at Malaysia Masters, wants Hawk-Eye on all courts

Reigning world champion P. V. Sindhu lamented poor officiating in her second round match against Aya Ohori at the Malaysia Masters and called for the Badminton World Federation to introduce Hawk-Eye technology in every court.

The Indian sealed her quarter-final berth with a 21-10, 21-15 triumph over her Japanese opponent but felt line judges should have done better.

Speaking exclusively to Stadium Astro, Sindhu said: "The line judges were giving in when it was out.

"If it was 19-20 and it went the other way, then the game would over. I felt those things happened in the match today to both of us.

"I had told the umpire a couple of times, but even the umpire can’t see the other side. I hope they implement Hawk-Eye on all courts. In court one you can make a challenge, but other courts also have crucial matches going on.

"It is also important for the line judges to be focused."

Sindhu was not the only one calling for Hawk-Eye, which allows instant reviews of challenges to determine if the shuttle is in or out, to be introduced in all courts.

World number five Viktor Axelsen also recently called on the world body to implement the technology in every court at Super 500 events.

The officiating aside, Sindhu was pleased to make the quarter-finals.

Since winning the World Championships in August last year, the world number six had only made the last eight once, at the French Open.

Despite a population of over a billion banking on her to deliver gold at the Tokyo Olympics in July, the 24-year-old, who won silver in the 2016 edition, insisted that she would not be stressing herself out just yet.

"The expectations are always there, but I think it’s important to play for myself. If I play for myself and win, it will also be good for the people of India.

"I take it in a positive way where they want me to win all the time. It’s not possible at times, but I’m happy there a lot of people supporting me and I hope to get that for them," she added.

Sindhu is scheduled to face top seed Tai Tzu-ying in the women's singles last eight on Friday.