Vintage Sindhu stuns Yamaguchi to win maiden Japan Open title
Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu defeated Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to win her first Japan Open title. This victory marks a significant comeback for the two-time Olympic medalist, ending a two-year title drought.
Why it matters
The win is a major milestone for Indian sports, signaling a return to form for one of the country's most decorated athletes.
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.
Yamaguchi was appearing in her sixth Japan Open final, while Sindhu had not beaten the Japanese player in a completed match in four years. Their meeting at the Malaysia Open earlier this year ended with Yamaguchi retiring after the opening game.
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