PV Sindhu Ends Title Drought, Defeats Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to Win Historic Japan Open Super 750 Crown

Tokyo, July 2026 : Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open Super 750 title, defeating home favourite and four-time champion Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in a commanding women’s singles final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday.

The victory marked Sindhu’s first BWF World Tour title in two years and ended a seven-year wait for a Super 750 or higher-level championship. It was also her first title since lifting the Syed Modi International crown in December 2024, signalling a welcome return to top form for the two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion.

The triumph capped an impressive week for the Indian ace, who produced a series of high-quality performances against some of the world’s best players. On her way to the final, Sindhu defeated World No. 5 Han Yue in the pre-quarterfinals before overcoming Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei, showcasing the consistency and confidence that once made her one of the most feared players on the international circuit.

The final against Yamaguchi began with Sindhu displaying aggressive intent. She raced to a 3-0 lead, using sharp attacking strokes and winning a successful line challenge to seize early momentum. However, the Japanese star, backed by a vocal home crowd, fought back strongly to level the contest and gradually edged ahead.

Sindhu briefly regained the lead at 9-7 after forcing a series of unforced errors from Yamaguchi, but the Japanese shuttler responded with a four-point burst to move ahead before the mid-game interval.

The momentum shifted dramatically after the break. Sindhu elevated her attacking game, using powerful smashes and accurate placements to push Yamaguchi deep into the court. The Indian gradually built a 16-12 advantage, forcing her opponent into defensive play.

Although Yamaguchi battled back to level the scores at 17-17, Sindhu remained composed under pressure. Producing four consecutive points with clinical precision, she wrapped up the opening game 21-17, taking a crucial one-game lead.

Sindhu carried the momentum into the second game, making an explosive start to surge ahead 6-3 before extending the margin to 8-3. Her relentless attacking approach kept Yamaguchi under constant pressure, while her improved court coverage allowed her to dictate the rallies.

The Japanese player attempted a comeback with four successive points, but Sindhu maintained her composure to enter the mid-game interval with an 11-7 advantage.

After the restart, Sindhu raised her intensity further, opening up a commanding 14-7 lead with a combination of powerful winners and disciplined defence. Although Yamaguchi staged another spirited fightback, reducing the deficit to 18-17, Sindhu once again held her nerve.

The Indian star quickly earned three championship points before sealing the contest 21-17 with a decisive winner, sparking celebrations after one of the biggest victories of her recent career.

The title is expected to provide a major confidence boost for Sindhu as she prepares for the remainder of the international season. More importantly, it reaffirms her status among the world’s elite after a challenging period marked by injuries and inconsistent results.

By lifting the Japan Open trophy, Sindhu not only added another prestigious title to her glittering career but also etched her name into Indian badminton history as the first player from the country to conquer one of the sport’s most coveted Super 750 tournaments.