Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu delivered a vintage masterclass to defeat Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in straight games and clinch her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title on Sunday. With the emphatic 21-17, 21-17 victory, Sindhu created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win the prestigious Japan Open, ending a title drought of more than two years in spectacular fashion.
Playing in front of Yamaguchi’s home crowd in Tokyo, the 31-year-old combined aggressive attacking badminton with remarkable tactical discipline. Sindhu dictated the pace from the very beginning, using her sharp net play and trademark smashes to keep the three-time world champion under constant pressure. The victory also marks her biggest title since lifting the BWF World Championships crown in 2019.
The triumph comes as a major confidence boost for the Indian star, whose previous title had come at the Syed Modi International 2024. Interestingly, Sindhu had not defeated Yamaguchi in a completed match since the Thailand Open 2022, making Sunday’s win even more significant.
The opening game saw Sindhu recover brilliantly after trailing at the mid-game interval. She showcased exceptional composure in crucial rallies, producing powerful cross-court winners and precise net shots to take the first game 21-17. Her ability to remain calm under pressure proved decisive as she closed out the opener with clinical finishing.
Sindhu carried that momentum into the second game, racing to an early lead with relentless attacking play. Although Yamaguchi attempted a late comeback by reducing the deficit to 19-17, Sindhu held her nerve, earned three championship points, and sealed the historic victory after the Japanese shuttler’s final return landed long following a video review.
The emotional triumph was celebrated with Sindhu embracing her coach courtside, marking one of the biggest milestones of her recent career. The victory is expected to provide a massive boost to Indian badminton ahead of the upcoming international tournaments.