PV Sindhu clinches Maiden Japan open title, defeats Akane Yamaguchi in straight games
India's two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu produced a vintage performance to defeat Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in straight games and win her maiden Japan Open women's singles title on Sunday.
Sindhu outclassed the home favourite 21-17, 21-17 in the final to claim her first-ever Japan Open crown and her maiden BWF Super 750 title. With the victory, she also became the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open women's singles title.
The Indian shuttler displayed aggressive stroke play and remarkable composure throughout the contest, keeping Yamaguchi under pressure from the outset. Her powerful smashes and precise court coverage helped her maintain control in both games and seal the match without dropping a set.
The triumph marks Sindhu's first title at the Japan Open and ends a long wait for a major BWF World Tour crown. It also signals a strong return to form for the former world champion after a series of encouraging performances this season.
Sindhu had entered the final after defeating China's Chen Yufei in the semi-finals, where the former Olympic champion retired injured while trailing. She carried that momentum into the title clash, producing one of her finest performances in recent years to lift the trophy in Tokyo.
The victory adds another milestone to Sindhu's illustrious career, reinforcing her status as one of India's greatest badminton players and providing a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming international tournaments.
