Japan Open: Sindhu stuns world No. 5 Han Ye to enter quarterfinals
Indian badminton player P.V. Sindhu defeated world No. 5 Han Yue in straight games to advance to the Japan Open quarterfinals. Sindhu dominated the match, securing a 21-16, 21-14 victory in just 35 minutes.
Why it matters
Sindhu's performance marks a significant return to form for the two-time Olympic medallist in a major international tournament.
Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu produced one of her best performances of the season to outclass world No. 5 Han Yue of China in straight games and storm into the quarterfinals of the Japan Open Super 750 badminton tournament in Tokyo on Thursday (July 16, 2026).
The world No. 10 Indian needed just 35 minutes to register a commanding 21-16, 21-14 win over the higher-ranked Chinese shuttler in their second-round contest.
After a sluggish start, the unseeded Sindhu found her rhythm midway through the opening game, striking the shuttle cleanly and dictating the rallies to take the lead.
The former world champion then completely dominated the second game, racing to an 8-0 advantage before comfortably sealing the contest.
With the victory, Sindhu improved her head-to-head record against Han to 8-1.
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