Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu ended a title drought of more than two years by defeating home favourite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to win her maiden Japan Open women’s singles title at the BWF Super 750 tournament on Sunday.
With the victory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Sindhu became the first Indian shuttler to win the prestigious Japan Open. The triumph also marked her first BWF Super 750 title and her biggest success since winning the BWF World Championships in 2019. It was also her first BWF World Tour title since lifting the Syed Modi International title in December 2024.
The title run capped an impressive week for Sindhu, who defeated Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei and world No. 5 Han Yue before overcoming four-time Japan Open champion Yamaguchi in the final.
Playing in front of a partisan home crowd, Sindhu produced one of her finest performances in recent years, combining powerful smashes, precise net play and disciplined tactics to dictate the contest against the three-time world champion.
Sindhu made a confident start, racing to a 3-0 lead before Yamaguchi fought back to level the scores. The opening game remained closely contested, with the Japanese shuttler taking a narrow advantage at the mid-game interval.
The momentum shifted after the break as Sindhu raised the intensity of her attacking game. A gruelling 36-shot rally helped her regain control before she surged to a 16-12 lead through accurate net exchanges and powerful cross-court winners. Although Yamaguchi reduced the deficit, Sindhu won four consecutive points from 17-all to claim the opening game 21-17.
The Indian continued her dominance in the second game, quickly building a 6-3 lead before extending it to 11-7 at the interval. A demanding 44-shot rally highlighted Sindhu’s physical endurance and control as she consistently forced Yamaguchi into defensive positions before finishing points with trademark steep smashes.
Yamaguchi attempted a late comeback, narrowing the gap to 19-17, but Sindhu remained composed under pressure. Two powerful winners earned her three championship points, and the match ended when Yamaguchi’s return landed long, with a successful video review confirming the line call.
The victory carried added significance as Sindhu registered her first win over Yamaguchi in a completed match in four years. Against an opponent appearing in her sixth Japan Open final, the Indian delivered a commanding performance that showcased the aggressive style and composure that have defined her career.
The triumph not only ended Sindhu’s long wait for a major title but also provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the season’s upcoming international tournaments, reaffirming her return to top form on the world stage.
(With agency inputs)
