PV Sindhu delivered one of her finest performances in recent years to secure a place in the Japan Open 2026 final, ending a two-year wait for a title clash. The Indian badminton star defeated long-time rival Chen Yufei to reach the tournament’s final for the first time in her career.

Sindhu claimed the semifinal 21-19, 15-10 after the Chinese shuttler was forced to retire in the second game because of a hamstring injury. The victory also snapped Sindhu’s five-match losing streak against Chen, giving her a significant confidence boost ahead of the final.

The Indian ace will now face either Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi or Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani in Sunday’s championship match.

Sindhu entered the semifinal looking refreshed after receiving a walkover in the quarterfinals, and she made full use of the extra recovery time. Right from the opening exchanges, she played aggressively, using sharp movement, controlled rallies and well-placed attacking shots to keep Chen under constant pressure.

Although Chen took an early lead in the opening game, Sindhu quickly turned the momentum in her favour with a four-point streak. She maintained the advantage heading into the mid-game interval before continuing her attacking approach after the break.

Chen responded strongly and gradually reduced the deficit, turning the contest into a thrilling battle. One of the standout moments came during a remarkable 51-shot rally, which Sindhu eventually won to regain the initiative.

The match reached a tense stage when both players were level at 19-19 in the first game. Sindhu responded with composure and determination, winning the next two points to take the opener and celebrating with an emotional roar.

The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sindhu establishing an early lead through consistent attacking play. She entered the interval ahead and continued to dominate as Chen began struggling with a hamstring problem.

Unable to continue comfortably, the Chinese player retired from the match, handing Sindhu a place in the final.

The victory extends Sindhu’s impressive run at the Japan Open, where she has already defeated top-ranked opponents, including World No. 5 Han Yue. With renewed confidence and strong form, the two-time Olympic medallist will now look to capture her first Japan Open title.

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FAQs

1. Who did PV Sindhu defeat to reach the Japan Open 2026 final?
Sindhu defeated China’s Chen Yufei in the women’s singles semifinal.

2. What was the semifinal score?
Sindhu won the match 21-19, 15-10 after Chen Yufei retired due to a hamstring injury in the second game.

3. Why is this final significant for PV Sindhu?
It marks her first Japan Open final and her first appearance in a BWF final since 2024.

4. Whom will PV Sindhu face in the final?
She will take on either Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi or Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani.

5. Did PV Sindhu end a losing streak against Chen Yufei?
Yes. The win ended her five-match losing streak against the Chinese shuttler.

6. What was the turning point of the match?
Sindhu’s victory in a crucial 51-shot rally and her composure at 19-19 in the first game helped her seize control.

7. How did Chen Yufei retire from the match?
She was forced to withdraw during the second game after suffering a hamstring injury.

8. Can PV Sindhu win her first Japan Open title?
Yes. Sindhu will compete in the final with the chance to claim her maiden Japan Open women’s singles crown.