PV Sindhu defeated home favourite Akane Yamaguchi 21-17 21-17 on Sunday to win the Japan Open women's singles title, securing her first Super 750 crown with an assured attacking display.
The two-time Olympic medallist controlled the final against the former world champion, sealing her maiden Japan Open title in straight games in Tokyo.
The triumph marks Sindhu's first title since lifting the Syed Modi International trophy in 2024 and ends a wait for a major title that stretched back to the Singapore Open Super 500 in 2022. She had also finished runner-up at the Malaysia Open Super 500 in 2024.
The 31-year-old had booked her place in the final on Saturday after Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China retired injured during their semifinal. Sindhu was leading 21-19 15-10 when the world number four was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.
Sunday's victory also came after Sindhu reached her first final in more than two years, underlining a return to form for one of India's most decorated badminton players.
The Japan Open title is the first Super 750 trophy of Sindhu's career, adding another milestone to a resume that already includes two Olympic medals and a world championship title. |
