Japan Open 2026: Satwik-Chirag retire hurt on return; PV Sindhu cruises into second round
Tokyo, July 14
India's star men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty endured another injury setback as their comeback at the Japan Open 2026 was cut short, while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced comfortably to the second round of the BWF Super 750 tournament on Tuesday.
Returning to competitive action for the first time since last month's Indonesia Open, Satwik and Chirag were forced to retire midway through their opening-round clash against Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard after Satwik's recurring shoulder injury resurfaced, according to Olympics.com.
The fourth-ranked Indian duo dropped a closely fought opening game 21-19 before deciding not to continue, bringing a premature end to their comeback.
The reigning Asian Games champions had been sidelined from four tournaments after Satwik aggravated his shoulder during the opening round of the Indonesia Open. The latest setback comes just weeks after the pair snapped a two-year BWF World Tour title drought by clinching the Singapore Open crown in May.
There was better news for India in the women's singles draw as world No. 10 PV Sindhu produced a commanding display to beat Malaysia's Wong Ling Ching 21-14, 21-11 in just 35 minutes.
Sindhu dictated proceedings from the outset, establishing an early lead before capitalising on her opponent's unforced errors to take the opening game comfortably.
The Indian carried the momentum into the second game, racing to an 8-2 lead before extending it to 11-3 at the mid-game interval. Wong struggled to find consistency throughout the contest as Sindhu wrapped up victory on her second match point, recording her third win in as many meetings against the Malaysian.
India also enjoyed success in the mixed doubles competition, where Olympian Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila progressed to the second round with a convincing 21-16, 21-14 victory over Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Julie Macpherson.
However, Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde bowed out in the opening round after suffering a 21-11, 21-10 defeat to top seeds and world No. 1 Chinese pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping.
India's campaign at the Japan Open will continue on Wednesday, with Lakshya Sen and rising youngster Unnati Hooda set to begin their singles campaigns in the first round.
— ANI
Reader Comments
PRACHANDA SINDHU! 🔥 This is the kind of dominance we need to see regularly. 21-14, 21-11 in just 35 minutes against a Malaysian player, that's top-class stuff. She's looking like the old PV Sindhu again, dictating from the net and using her height effectively. The Olympics are around the corner, and this is exactly the form she needs. Meanwhile, our men's doubles situation is worrying.
A mixed day for India. Great to see Tanisha and Dhruv winning convincingly in mixed doubles - that's a partnership with genuine potential. But Rohan and Ruthvika losing to the top seeds was expected, honestly. 21-11, 21-10 shows the gap between our second-tier pairs and world No. 1s. Need more depth in doubles categories. Let's hope Lakshya Sen and Unnati Hooda can carry the momentum tomorrow.
Honestly, I'm a bit concerned about our badminton injury management system. Satwik injured his shoulder in Indonesia, then they play Singapore to win (great result), but then he's out for four tournaments and now retires again after just one game in Tokyo. Something isn't right with the rehabilitation protocol. We need better physios and maybe a more cautious tournament schedule. Chirag must be so frustrated.
Sindhu is looking sharp at the Japan Open. Good to see her back in form after that dip last year. The World No. 10 ranking doesn't reflect her quality when she's fit and focused. That's three wins in three meetings against Wong Ling Ching now. Meanwhile, worrying signs for the men's doubles - Satwik-Chirag's injury struggles are really hurting India's chances in major team events like the Thomas Cup.
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