Seven years after conquering the world, PV Sindhu rediscovered her champion’s touch. After several injuries and multiple near misses, the two-time Olympic medallist is back as she claimed the Japan Open 2026 title, shattering the long-standing Tokyo curse at the Metropolitan Gymnasium.
The 31-year-old Indian beat three-time world champion and home favourite, Akane Yamaguchi, 21-17, 21-17, in straight games in just 50 minutes on Sunday in the summit clash.
This triumph marks the former world champion Sindhu’s first title since the Syed Modi International in December 2024, and her first overseas title at the Super 500 level or above since 2022.
More than just a win, this victory secured her biggest individual career milestone since the memorable 2019 World Championship. In doing so, she also became the first Indian to win a BWF individual title at the Super 500 level or higher in 2026. At the age of 31, she surpassed Tai Tzu Ying as the oldest Super 750 winner as well.
The proceedings of the summit clash saw World No. 10 Sindhu racing to an early 3-0 lead before World No. 3 Akane responded with a series of deceptive shots to win four consecutive points to take a slender 11-10 lead at the mid-game interval.
After the break, Sindhu put Akane on the back foot with her attack and sharp cross-court smashes, opening up a four point lead at 16-12. A tight 38-shot rally helped Akane reduce the deficit to 16-17 but Sindhu regained control with clever interceptions, tight defence and a series of down-the-line smashes to earn the game point. She sealed the opening game with a smash to Akane’s backhand at midcourt.
Going into the second game, Sindhu started aggressively, forcing Akane into errors at the net, winning five consecutive points to race to an 8-3 lead. Akane mounted a brief comeback but Sindhu remained in control to lead 11-7 into the mid-game interval and extended that lead to 14-7 by dictating the rallies.
The Japanese staged another fightback, reducing the deficit to 17-15. However, Sindhu held her nerve in the closing stages, winning two straight points before Akane’s return sailed out as the match ended in her opponent’s favour.
It was a poetic redemption for Sindhu as she registered her first completed on-court victory over Akane in four years. Sunday’s final was the 30th meeting between both, with Sindhu extending her head-to-head lead to 16-14.
The former world champion, who started the year ranked 18, and entered Tokyo as World No. 10, is set to rise to World No. 8.
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