IMAGE: The Japan Open victory is her biggest title win since lifting the World Championships crown in 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo
Key Points
- P V Sindhu won her maiden Super 750 title at the Japan Open to end her two-year title drought.
- She defeated local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games.
- This is Sindhu’s biggest title win since the 2019 World Championships.
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu produced a vintage display of attacking badminton to outclass local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, clinching her maiden Super 750 title at the Japan Open in Tokyo on Sunday.
The 31-year-old became the first Indian to win the Japan Open, combining relentless attack with tactical discipline and composure in the decisive moments to register a 21-17, 21-17 victory over the three-time world champion and end a title drought of more than two years.
Sindhu’s previous title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024. The triumph is her biggest title since winning the World Championships in 2019.
How Sindhu Dominated Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi was appearing in her sixth Japan Open final, while Sindhu had not beaten the Japanese in a completed match in four years. Their meeting at the Malaysia Open earlier this year ended with Yamaguchi retiring after the opening game.
Sindhu’s last full-match victory over her came at the Thailand Open in 2022.
On Sunday, however, the Indian dictated terms from the outset. She controlled the forecourt superbly, attacked with purpose rather than sheer power and repeatedly found answers whenever Yamaguchi threatened a comeback.
Along with her powerful smashes, Sindhu’s precise net play proved decisive. She repeatedly worked the shuttle tight to the net, forcing Yamaguchi to lift and creating opportunities to unleash her trademark cross-court and body smashes.
The Japan Open victory is her biggest title win since lifting the World Championships crown in 2019.
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