PV Sindhu creates history, wins maiden Japan Open title with straight-games victory over Akane Yamaguchi

July 19, 2026

Tokyo: Indian badminton star PV Sindhu etched her name in the history books on Sunday by clinching her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title. The two-time Olympic medallist defeated home favourite and world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi in straight games 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final to become the first Indian to win the prestigious Japan Open title.

The victory marks one of the biggest achievements of Sindhu’s career in recent years, ending her long wait for a BWF Super 750 title and underlining her return to top form ahead of a busy international season.

Sindhu dominates home favourite in straight games

Playing with confidence from the opening rally, Sindhu controlled the pace of the match with powerful smashes, accurate placement and disciplined defence. She kept Yamaguchi under pressure throughout the contest and sealed both games by an identical 21-17 scoreline.

The victory was particularly significant as Sindhu ended a four-year wait for a win over the Japanese star and conquered one of the toughest opponents on her home court.

Historic milestone for Indian badminton

With the triumph, Sindhu became the first Indian player to lift the Japan Open title, adding another landmark achievement to her decorated career that already includes two Olympic medals, a World Championship gold medal and multiple international titles. The Japan Open crown is also her first-ever BWF Super 750 title, ending a prolonged wait for success at one of badminton’s elite tournaments.

Her title-winning run included impressive victories over several top-ranked opponents. Earlier in the tournament, she defeated World No. 5 Han Yue, reached the semi-finals after Nozomi Okuhara withdrew because of injury, and then overcame Olympic champion Chen Yufei before defeating Yamaguchi in the final.

Major confidence boost ahead of upcoming tournaments

The Japan Open triumph is expected to provide a major confidence boost to Sindhu ahead of the upcoming international events, including the BWF World Championships and other major tournaments later this season.

The title also marks a strong comeback for the Indian ace after an inconsistent spell on the BWF Tour, reaffirming her status among the world’s elite shuttlers. With this victory, Sindhu has once again demonstrated her ability to deliver on the biggest stage and added another historic chapter to Indian badminton.