Japan Open: Sindhu dismantles world No. 5 Han Yue to book QF berth
Tokyo, July 16
PV Sindhu delivered a statement performance at the Japan Open Super 750 on Thursday, defeating world No. 5 Han Yue of China in straight games to secure her place in the women's singles quarterfinals.
The two-time Olympic medallist produced a composed and attacking display to seal a 21-16, 21-14 victory in just 35 minutes, extending her dominant head-to-head record over the Chinese shuttler to 8-1.
The result marked one of Sindhu's most convincing outings of the season, with the former world champion overcoming an early challenge before taking complete control of the contest against the fifth seed.
The opening exchanges were closely contested as Han Yue looked to dictate the pace, but Sindhu gradually settled into the match. Once she found her range, the Indian began controlling the rallies with precise shot placement and greater aggression from the baseline. Her improved consistency helped her pull away in the latter stages of the first game, which she wrapped up 21-16.
Any hopes of a Chinese comeback were quickly extinguished after the change of ends. Sindhu stormed into the second game with relentless intensity, reeling off eight consecutive points to establish a commanding 8-0 advantage. Although Han Yue managed to reduce the deficit with a brief fightback, Sindhu remained unfazed, maintaining her accuracy and court coverage before closing out the match 21-14 to complete a comprehensive victory.
The win sends the world No. 10 into the quarterfinals, where she will take on Japan's former world champion Nozomi Okuhara. Okuhara advanced after top seed and reigning world No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea withdrew from their second-round encounter.
Sindhu is now India's only remaining contender in the tournament after the country's mixed doubles campaign came to an end earlier in the day.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto pushed China's top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in a competitive opening game but eventually went down 20-22, 17-21 in the pre-quarterfinals. The Indian pair battled for 47 minutes before bowing out against one of the world's strongest mixed doubles combinations.
With Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda having exited in the opening round, Sindhu's emphatic victory ensured India's challenge remains alive heading into the business end of the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see Sindhu back in form! But honestly, the inconsistency has been frustrating this season. One day she plays like this, other days she struggles against lower-ranked players. Need more consistency from our top shuttler.
This is the Sindhu we all love to watch! Dominant, aggressive, and composed. The 8-0 run in the second game was pure class. She knows how to step up in big tournaments. All the best for the QF! 💪🔥
Sad to see our mixed doubles pair lose, but they put up a good fight against the world's top seeds. Kapila and Crasto have a bright future. Meanwhile, Sindhu is the lone warrior now - hope she goes all the way!
That 8-1 head-to-head record against Han Yue is incredible! Sindhu really has her number. The QF against Okuhara will be a tough test though - Japanese players are always dangerous at home. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Impressive win, but I'm cautiously optimistic. Sindhu needs to maintain this level consistently. The depth in women's singles is incredible now, and even a small dip in form can cost you. Let's hope she brings her A-game against Okuhara!
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