Badminton
Japan Open 2026 Highlights: PV Sindhu crowned champion; beats Akane Yamaguchi
Check out the Highlights from the 2026 Japan Open Super 750 Final between PV Sindhu and Akane Yamaguchi.
PV Sindhu celebrates after reaching the 2026 Japan Open Final (Photo credit: Badminton Photo/BWF)
Japan Open 2026 Highlights: PV Sindhu ended her 19-month title drought, beating Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women's singles final at the 2026 Japan Open Super 750, becoming the first shuttler from India to win the title on Sunday.
The 31-year-old double Olympic medallist was at her absolute best as she tamed the reigning world champion with her attacking game in 50 minutes.
The title win marked Sindhu's first Super 750 title and her first major title win since the BWF World Championships seven years ago in 2019.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 19 July 2026 9:25 AM IST
Sindhu levels up!
Two straight points after the mid-game interval for Sindhu. The latter is a 36-shot rally, the longest of the match as Yamaguchi now tries to put the shuttle over the head of the tall Sindhu.
The Indian holds on and Yamaguchi eventually errs, eventually putting the shuttle out of bounds at the backline. 11-11.
- 19 July 2026 9:22 AM IST
Yamaguchi LEADS!
PV Sindhu had opened up a 9-6 lead, but Akane Yamaguchi bounces back. A string of five straight points for the Japanese shuttler as she opens up a two-point lead at the mid-game interval.
Sindhu trails 9-11.
- 19 July 2026 9:18 AM IST
Yamaguchi on the rise
Yamaguchi is now slowly getting into the rhythm. A stellar body smash and Sindhu as no answers as Yamaguchi leads 6-5 now. Sindhu returns the favour almost immediately to level up at 6-6.
- 19 July 2026 9:15 AM IST
Yamaguchi draws level
Sindhu goes long before a long rally sees Yamaguchi come out on top after some struggles as the Japanese shuttlers wins her first points of the match.
- 19 July 2026 9:14 AM IST
Good challenge from Sindhu!
A cross court smash from Yamaguchi is called in and Sindhu asks for a review immediately. A very early challenge this from the Indian and she is proven right.
The shuttle landed way out of the sidelines. 3-0 lead for Sindhu.
- 19 July 2026 9:13 AM IST
Sindhu off to a good start!
A lift gone long from Yamaguchi before a good rush to the net from Sindhu, helps the Indian open up a 2-0 lead.
- 19 July 2026 9:12 AM IST
Yamaguchi with the serve
Yamaguchi will get the match underway with the serve. Sindhu playing from the near end of the court.
- 19 July 2026 9:10 AM IST
PV Sindhu wins the toss!
PV Sindhu is on court along with Akane Yamaguchi. The Indian wins the toss and opts for the side.
The usual on-court warmups underway for the players now before we get underway with the women's singles final at the 2026 Japan Open Super 750!
