Japan Open 2026: PV Sindhu beats reigning world champion; wins first title in 19 months

PV Sindhu won her first title in 19 months, taking home the 2026 Japan Open Super 750 crown with a 21-17, 21-17 straight games win over reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi on Sunday.

Sindhu was at her attacking best in the title clash as she wrapped up the match in 50 minutes, becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title.

It also marked her career first Super 750 title and her first major title win since the BWF World Championships in in Basel, Switzerland seven years ago in 2019.

Sindhu started off well in the contest as she raced to a 3-0 lead early on. She seemed to be in control in the early exchanges, moving well on court but Yamaguchi bounced back to take an 11-9 lead at the mid-game interval.

Sindhu, however, held her own post the interval, taking her opponent aback with her relentless attack. The Japanese shuttler kept her in check for a long time before Sindhu pressed on the accelerator in the closing stages to win the opening game 21-17. 

Sindhu carried forward the momentum in the second game, opening up an 11-7 lead the mid-game interval. She even extended the lead to 14-7 before a five-point run from Yamaguchi threatened to spoil the party.

The Indian veteran managed to gather herself together even as Yamaguchi reduced the deficit to just a solitary point at 17-18 to win three points in a row and secure the title in straight games.

Sindhu now leads Yamaguchi 16-14 in head-to-head encounters, having faced each other 30 times on the BWF World Tour.