She beats Yamaguchi for her maiden Japan Open crown
Tokyo: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu ended a title drought of more than two years by defeating home favourite Akane
Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to clinch her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title here on Sunday.
The 31-year-old became the first Indian to win the Japan Open after producing an aggressive yet disciplined performance against the three-time world champion.
Sindhu dictated the pace from the outset with sharp net play and powerful smashes, repeatedly forcing Yamaguchi onto the defensive. After trailing 9-11 in the opening game, the Indian fought back by winning a gruelling 36-shot rally to level the scores before reasserting control. She held her nerve in the closing stages to pocket the first game.
The second game followed a similar pattern as Sindhu raced to an 8-3 lead with six consecutive points. Although Yamaguchi reduced the deficit to 14-12 and later 19-17, Sindhu remained composed to close out the contest after the Japanese sent her return long.
The victory is Sindhu’s biggest title since winning the World Championships in 2019 and her first Super 750 crown. Her previous title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024.
