PV Sindhu produced one of her finest performances in recent years, defeating Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to become the first Indian to win the Japan Open and lift her maiden Super 750 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.
Published: 19 Jul 2026, 11:21 am IST
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