PV Sindhu scripts history, stuns Yamaguchi to become first Indian to ...
PV Sindhu won her first Japan Open title by defeating Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. This victory marks a significant comeback for the Olympic medallist, ending a two-year title drought.
Why it matters
This win is a major milestone in Indian badminton history and highlights Sindhu's return to elite form on the international stage.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu defeated home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to win her maiden Japan Open title and first Super 750 crown in Tokyo on Sunday.The 31-year-old became the first Indian to win the Japan Open after beating the three-time world champion 21-17, 21-17. The victory ended her title drought of more than two years and marked her biggest title since winning the World Championships in 2019.Sindhu's previous title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024.Yamaguchi was playing her sixth Japan Open final, while Sindhu had not beaten the Japanese player in a completed match for four years. Their meeting at the Malaysia Open earlier this year ended after Yamaguchi retired following the opening game. Sindhu's last full-match win over her came at the Thailand Open in 2022.On Sunday, Sindhu stayed in control for most of the contest.
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