Two-time Asian Games medallist defeats Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki 21-9, 21-13 to continue her quest for another podium finish
Ichinomiya, Sept 2026 : India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu produced a commanding performance to storm into the women’s singles quarterfinals at the Asian Games, defeating Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki in straight games at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium on Saturday.
The two-time Asian Games medallist dominated the Round of 16 contest from the opening rally, beating Miyazaki 21-9, 21-13. Sindhu’s superior court coverage, attacking strokes and experience kept the Japanese player under sustained pressure throughout the match.
Sindhu made a quick start in the opening game and established a 13-7 advantage. Miyazaki struggled to match the Indian’s pace and intensity as Sindhu continued to dictate rallies with aggressive returns and well-placed shots.
The Indian soon extended her lead and comfortably closed out the opening game 21-9, putting herself in a strong position to complete the match in straight games.
Miyazaki attempted to change the momentum in the second game by engaging Sindhu in longer rallies and applying greater pressure. However, the Indian remained composed and responded effectively, maintaining control of the contest.
Sindhu went into the interval with an 11-6 lead and continued to build on her advantage after the change of ends. Miyazaki found it difficult to sustain her challenge as Sindhu moved to 17-11 before closing out the game 21-13.
The victory marked Sindhu’s second win of the day. Earlier, she defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-chian 21-19, 21-14 in the second round.
That contest proved more challenging in the opening game, with Chiu holding an 11-10 lead at the interval. Sindhu, however, responded strongly and saved two game points before converting her third opportunity to take the game.
The Indian then gained greater control in the second game, establishing an 11-7 lead at the break before completing the victory.
Sindhu, an Olympic silver medallist at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, is seeking another Asian Games medal after missing out at the Hangzhou Games. She was eliminated in the women’s singles quarterfinals in Hangzhou.
Her latest victory keeps her medal campaign on track as she advances to the last eight. Sindhu will now face another test in the quarterfinals as she looks to continue her strong run and challenge for a podium finish.
