PV Sindhu wins first Japan Open title, defeats Yamaguchi in final

PV Sindhu broke a 19-month title drought on Sunday, triumphing over world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi in Tokyo to secure her first-ever Japan Open crown. The Indian badminton ace rallied from an early deficit to win the final 21-14, 21-17, marking her first tour-level victory since the Syed Modi International in December 2024.

Historic Win in Tokyo

This victory is significant for Sindhu, as it also represents her first Super 750 Series title and her most notable achievement since claiming the World Championships title in 2019. The 31-year-old showcased resilience throughout the tournament, including a semi-final win against an injured Chen Yufei, before facing Yamaguchi in her 30th career encounter with the Japanese star.

Overcoming a Tough Rival

Yamaguchi entered the final with a strong record against Sindhu, having won seven of their last ten completed matches. Despite this, Sindhu extended her career head-to-head lead to 16-14 with Sunday’s victory. Notably, this was her first appearance in the finals of the Japan Open, making the win even more momentous.

Sindhu’s triumph on Yamaguchi’s home turf signals a return to form and bolsters her standing ahead of future competitions, including the upcoming World Championships.

Source: Indian Express