Japan Open 2026: Indian badminton player PV Sindhu claimed her first Japan Open title by defeating Yamaguchi in straight sets 21-14, 21-17 during Sunday’s final. Yamaguchi began strongly and took an early lead, yet Sindhu recovered to win comfortably. The result marks the former world champion’s first tour-level success since the Syed Modi International in December 2024. With this victory Sindhu earned her first Super 750 series crown and her first major title in seven years after the 2019 World Championships. She entered the final as the favorite after winning seven of her last ten completed matches. The win extends her advantage in the head-to-head record and came in her debut final at the event. The success should provide momentum for the rest of the season. Sindhu will lead India’s team at next month’s World Championships in New Delhi and is among the favorites there. Earlier this year she reached the final of the Malaysia Open Super 500. Her previous major title was the Singapore Open Super 500 in 2022.
