Sindhu wins Japan Open to end two-year title drought

Harry Archie July 19, 2026

Sports

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Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu won the Japan Open on Sunday, ending a title drought that lasted almost two years.

The former world champion defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 in the women’s singles final to win the tournament for the first time.

It was Sindhu’s first title since winning the Syed Modi India International in 2024.

The 31-year-old said the victory would boost her confidence ahead of next month’s World Championships, which will be held in New Delhi.

“This win is very important because reaching a final is one thing, but winning it is another,” Sindhu said.

“I’m happy to be back on the winning side. This gives me a lot of confidence.”

Sindhu, currently ranked 10th in the world, was playing in her first final since her 2024 title. She had reached two semi-finals on the world tour this year but failed to advance.

She took an early lead against world number three Yamaguchi and controlled the match to win in straight games.

Sindhu sealed the victory after successfully challenging a line call on the final point.

“I had tears in my eyes because this meant so much to me,” she said.

“I kept believing in myself, even when many people were asking what was happening.”

In the men’s singles, France’s Christo Popov defeated Japan’s Koki Watanabe 21-11, 21-19 to win his third title of the year.

China’s Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping won the mixed doubles title, while South Korea’s Kim Hye-Jeong and Kong Hee-yong claimed the women’s doubles crown.

Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri won the men’s doubles title after beating South Korea’s top-seeded pair.