Sindhu's sweet revenge: Topples Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to clinch maiden Japan Open title

PV Sindhu stunned home favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games to script history, becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open with a commanding 21-17, 21-17 victory in Sunday's Super 750 final in Tokyo.

The two-time Olympic medallist rolled back the years with an aggressive yet composed display, blending powerful smashes with delicate net play to outclass the three-time world champion.

The triumph ended Sindhu's wait for a major title and marked her maiden Japan Open crown, her biggest achievement since winning the BWF World Championships in 2019.

Facing a player she had not defeated in a completed match for four years, Sindhu dictated the pace from the very first rally.

She repeatedly forced Yamaguchi onto the defensive with sharp cross-court winners, clever placement and relentless pressure at the net.

After trailing midway through the opening game, Sindhu wrestled back control with a series of attacking rallies to seal it 21-17.

She carried that momentum into the second game, opening a healthy lead before holding her nerve as Yamaguchi mounted a late fightback.

With the score at 20-17, the Japanese star sent her return long after a successful line review, sparking jubilant celebrations from Sindhu and her coaching team.

The victory also snapped a title drought stretching over two years and added another milestone to the Indian badminton icon's decorated career.