PV Sindhu reached the semifinals of the Japan Open 2026 in Tokyo on Friday (Jul 17) after Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara pulled out of their quarterfinal match. The Indian star has now reached her third semifinal of the season after earlier making the last four at the Malaysia Super 1000 and Australia Super 500 tournaments. This is also Sindhu’s first Super 750 semifinal since the 2023 Denmark Open.&nbsp;The 31-year-old will now face China’s Chen Yufei, the Tokyo Olympic champion and world No. 4, as she looks to win her first title of the season. Sindhu trails Chen 6-8 in their overall head-to-head record.&nbsp;Chen has beaten Sindhu in each of their last five meetings, giving the Indian a chance to end that run. A win would also take Sindhu to her first Super 750 final in nearly three years.&nbsp;Earlier, she booked her place in the quarterfinals with a convincing 21-16, 21-14 victory over world No. 5 Han Yue of China in just 35 minutes.&nbsp;Chen, 28, has been in excellent form this season. She won the Indonesia Masters and finished runner-up at the Thailand and Malaysia Super 500 events.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-superstitious-argentina-president-javier-milei-will-not-attend-world-cup-final-against-spain-1784269791781">FIFA 2026 | 'Superstitious' Argentina president Javier Milei will not attend world cup final against Spain</a>&nbsp;She has also reached the semifinals of the Singapore Open, India Open, Malaysia Open and the All England Championships.&nbsp;India’s campaign in the other events came to an end, as in mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost 20-22, 17-21 to China’s Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in the pre-quarterfinals.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-argentina-vs-spain-canada-wildfires-cause-new-york-area-air-quality-to-deteriorate-ahead-of-final-1784261614068">FIFA, Argentina vs Spain: New York area air quality deteriorates ahead of final</a>&nbsp;In women’s singles, Unnati Hooda was knocked out by Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Hsun despite taking the second game.&nbsp;India had already exited the men’s doubles competition on Tuesday. Both Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan, lost in the opening round, with Satwik and Chirag also facing another injury setback.

The 31-year-old will now face China’s Chen Yufei, the Tokyo Olympic champion and world No. 4, as she looks to win her first title of the season. Sindhu trails Chen 6-8 in their overall head-to-head record.

PV Sindhu reached the semifinals of the Japan Open 2026 in Tokyo on Friday (Jul 17) after Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara pulled out of their quarterfinal match. The Indian star has now reached her third semifinal of the season after earlier making the last four at the Malaysia Super 1000 and Australia Super 500 tournaments. This is also Sindhu’s first Super 750 semifinal since the 2023 Denmark Open. The 31-year-old will now face China’s Chen Yufei, the Tokyo Olympic champion and world No. 4, as she looks to win her first title of the season. Sindhu trails Chen 6-8 in their overall head-to-head record. Chen has beaten Sindhu in each of their last five meetings, giving the Indian a chance to end that run. A win would also take Sindhu to her first Super 750 final in nearly three years. Earlier, she booked her place in the quarterfinals with a convincing 21-16, 21-14 victory over world No. 5 Han Yue of China in just 35 minutes. Chen, 28, has been in excellent form this season. She won the Indonesia Masters and finished runner-up at the Thailand and Malaysia Super 500 events. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | 'Superstitious' Argentina president Javier Milei will not attend world cup final against Spain She has also reached the semifinals of the Singapore Open, India Open, Malaysia Open and the All England Championships. India’s campaign in the other events came to an end, as in mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost 20-22, 17-21 to China’s Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in the pre-quarterfinals. Also Read - FIFA, Argentina vs Spain: New York area air quality deteriorates ahead of final In women’s singles, Unnati Hooda was knocked out by Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu-Hsun despite taking the second game. India had already exited the men’s doubles competition on Tuesday. Both Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan, lost in the opening round, with Satwik and Chirag also facing another injury setback.

The 31-year-old will now face China’s Chen Yufei, the Tokyo Olympic champion and world No. 4, as she looks to win her first title of the season. Sindhu trails Chen 6-8 in their overall head-to-head record.

Japan Open 2026: PV Sindhu storms into semifinals

Sixteen-year-old Tanvi Sharma stole the spotlight on Day three of the Syed Modi International 2025 with the biggest win of her young career. She shocked former World no. 1 and Olympic medalist Nozomi Okuhara in a tight three-game match. After losing the first game, Tanvi fought back strongly to win 13-21, 21-16, 21-19 and booked her place in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;There were more surprises in women’s singles, as Isharani Baruah impressed by beating eighth seed Polina Buhrova of Ukraine 21-15, 21-8. Top seed Unnati Hooda advanced comfortably with a 21-15, 21-10 win over Tasnim Mir, while Rakshitha Sree recovered from a slow start to defeat Devika Sihag 16-21, 21-19 and 21-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-schedule-navi-mumbai-among-two-venues-named-all-details-inside-auction-2026-1764245958166">WPL 2026 schedule: Navi Mumbai among two venues named; all details inside</a>&nbsp;In men’s singles, Manraj Singh delivered another upset by knocking out third seed HS Prannoy 21-15, 21-18. While, Mithun Manjunath edged sixth seed Tharun Mannepalli 21-16, 17-21, 21-7 and former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, the silver medallist at the 2021 World Championships, went past Saneeth Dayanand with a dominant 21-6, 21-16 victory.&nbsp;Srikanth is now set to meet Priyanshu Rajawat in the quarterfinals. Rajawat booked his spot after defeating BM Rahul Bharadwaj 21-16, 10-21, 21-12 in a tight contest match.&nbsp;In women's doubles, Top seeds Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand continued their strong run by winning 21-17, 21-12 against Zenith Abbigail and Likhita Srivastava.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-check-complete-match-schedule-groups-venues-date-timings-1764220449018">T20 World Cup 2026: Check complete match schedule, groups, venues, date &amp; timings</a>&nbsp;Jolly also partnered with Hariharan Amsakarunan in mixed doubles to defeat second seeds Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde 24-22, 21-15.&nbsp;&nbsp;In men’s doubles, Hariharan and MR Arjun advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominating 21-12, 21-18 win over Malaysia’s Lau Yi Sheng and Lim Tze Jian. &nbsp;

Top seed Unnati Hooda advanced comfortably with a 21-15, 21-10 win over Tasnim Mir, while Rakshitha Sree recovered from a slow start to defeat Devika Sihag 16-21, 21-19 and 21-17. 

Sixteen-year-old Tanvi Sharma stole the spotlight on Day three of the Syed Modi International 2025 with the biggest win of her young career. She shocked former World no. 1 and Olympic medalist Nozomi Okuhara in a tight three-game match. After losing the first game, Tanvi fought back strongly to win 13-21, 21-16, 21-19 and booked her place in the quarterfinals. There were more surprises in women’s singles, as Isharani Baruah impressed by beating eighth seed Polina Buhrova of Ukraine 21-15, 21-8. Top seed Unnati Hooda advanced comfortably with a 21-15, 21-10 win over Tasnim Mir, while Rakshitha Sree recovered from a slow start to defeat Devika Sihag 16-21, 21-19 and 21-17. Also Read - WPL 2026 schedule: Navi Mumbai among two venues named; all details inside In men’s singles, Manraj Singh delivered another upset by knocking out third seed HS Prannoy 21-15, 21-18. While, Mithun Manjunath edged sixth seed Tharun Mannepalli 21-16, 17-21, 21-7 and former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, the silver medallist at the 2021 World Championships, went past Saneeth Dayanand with a dominant 21-6, 21-16 victory. Srikanth is now set to meet Priyanshu Rajawat in the quarterfinals. Rajawat booked his spot after defeating BM Rahul Bharadwaj 21-16, 10-21, 21-12 in a tight contest match. In women's doubles, Top seeds Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand continued their strong run by winning 21-17, 21-12 against Zenith Abbigail and Likhita Srivastava. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026: Check complete match schedule, groups, venues, date & timings Jolly also partnered with Hariharan Amsakarunan in mixed doubles to defeat second seeds Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde 24-22, 21-15. In men’s doubles, Hariharan and MR Arjun advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominating 21-12, 21-18 win over Malaysia’s Lau Yi Sheng and Lim Tze Jian.

Top seed Unnati Hooda advanced comfortably with a 21-15, 21-10 win over Tasnim Mir, while Rakshitha Sree recovered from a slow start to defeat Devika Sihag 16-21, 21-19 and 21-17.&nbsp;

Syed Modi International 2025: 16-year old Tanvi Sharma stuns former world no.1 Nozomi Okuhara

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won the BWF World Championships title by defeating Japan's Nozomi Okuhara in straight games by 21-7, 21-7. In an exclusive conversation with WION, PV Sindhu spoke on her historic win. Watch this video to know more.

Exclusive: PV Sindhu speaks to WION on her historic win

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won the BWF World Championships title by defeating Japan's Nozomi Okuhara in straight games by 21-7, 21-7

WION Exclusive: In conversation with PV Sindhu on her victory in BWF World Championships

PV Sindhu becomes first Indian to win BWF World Championships

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday.&nbsp;

World number four Okuhara had no answers to the aggressive approach from the Indian shuttler in the contest that lasted for just 36 minutes.&nbsp;

Sindhu is also the first Indian to become a world champion. This is Sindhu's fifth world championship medal, two of them silvers and two of them bronze.&nbsp;

Watch video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pv-sindhu-becomes-first-indian-to-win-bwf-world-championships-245566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

With a powerful start, Sindhu dominated the game as she won four of the first five points, sending the opponent on the backfoot. She was leading 15-2 in the first match for a moment, eventually winning it 21-7.&nbsp;

In the second game, she won the first two points and further dominated the game. She won the second game 21-7 in 20 minutes.&nbsp;

Sindhu had defeated China's Chen Yu Fei 21-7, 21-14 to enter the finals&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

This is the second time that Indian shuttlers will be returning with two medals from World Championships (Sai Praneeth and PV Sindhu), previously in 2017, Saina Nehwal had won bronze and PV Sindhu won silver.&nbsp;

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday. World number four Okuhara had no answers to the aggressive approach from the Indian shuttler in the contest that lasted for just 36 minutes.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday. World number four Okuhara had no answers to the aggressive approach from the Indian shuttler in the contest that lasted for just 36 minutes. Sindhu is also the first Indian to become a world champion. This is Sindhu's fifth world championship medal, two of them silvers and two of them bronze. Watch video: × With a powerful start, Sindhu dominated the game as she won four of the first five points, sending the opponent on the backfoot. She was leading 15-2 in the first match for a moment, eventually winning it 21-7. In the second game, she won the first two points and further dominated the game. She won the second game 21-7 in 20 minutes. Sindhu had defeated China's Chen Yu Fei 21-7, 21-14 to enter the finals on Saturday. This is the second time that Indian shuttlers will be returning with two medals from World Championships (Sai Praneeth and PV Sindhu), previously in 2017, Saina Nehwal had won bronze and PV Sindhu won silver.

World Championships 2019: PV Sindhu wins India's maiden gold medal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to clinch gold at Badminton World Championship.

Sindhu defeated Japanese player Nozomi Okuhara in women's singles.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, PM Modi said, “The stupendously talented, PV Sindhu makes India proud again! Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring.PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The stupendously talented <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pvsindhu1</a> makes India proud again! 
 
Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring. 
 
PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1165612987614400513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sindhu, playing in her third straight World Championships final, trounced Japan's Nozomi Okuhara 21-7, 21-7 in what turned out to be a one-sided summit clash in just 36 minutes.

Watch video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pv-sindhu-becomes-first-indian-to-win-bwf-world-championships-245566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She had previously lost to Okuhara in the same stage in 2017 in an epic 110-minute battle before going down to Olympic champion Spaniard Carolina Marine in the final in 2018.

She had also won two bronze medals in the 2013 and 2014 editions of the World Championships.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to clinch gold at Badminton World Championship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to clinch gold at Badminton World Championship. Sindhu defeated Japanese player Nozomi Okuhara in women's singles. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, PM Modi said, “The stupendously talented, PV Sindhu makes India proud again! Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring.PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players." The stupendously talented @Pvsindhu1 makes India proud again! Congratulations to her for winning the Gold at the BWF World Championships. The passion and dedication with which she’s pursued badminton is inspiring. PV Sindhu’s success will inspire generations of players. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2019 × Sindhu, playing in her third straight World Championships final, trounced Japan's Nozomi Okuhara 21-7, 21-7 in what turned out to be a one-sided summit clash in just 36 minutes. Watch video: × She had previously lost to Okuhara in the same stage in 2017 in an epic 110-minute battle before going down to Olympic champion Spaniard Carolina Marine in the final in 2018. She had also won two bronze medals in the 2013 and 2014 editions of the World Championships. (With inputs from agencies)

Her success will inspire generations: PM Narendra Modi hails PV Sindhu for winning gold at BWF World Championship

Olympic silver medalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=PV+Sindhu">PV Sindhu</a> defeated Japan's&nbsp;Nozomi Okuhara to clinch her maiden&nbsp;BWF World Tour Finals title.

The world number six, renowned for her never-say-die attitude, has also twice lost in the final of the World Championships and was runner-up in last year's season finale.

But she put all that heartbreak behind her in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, beating the fifth-ranked Okuhara 21-19, 21-17 in the women's final in just over an hour.

Sindhu, who was always in control of the match, sealed the championship with a forehand smash, before collapsing to the court floor on her hands and knees.

With the magnificent win, she&nbsp;became first Indian to achieve such feat.

Sindhu outplayed&nbsp;Okuhara to win her first title of the year as she struggled throughout the year but ended 2018 with a historic win.

The 23-year-old started both the game taking initial lead but her familiar foe managed to bounce to trouble her.

However, Sindhu stayed focused and emerged victorious&nbsp;over&nbsp;Okuhara, to whom she had lost an epic World Championship final, last year.

Earlier, she outplayed Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon 21-16, 25-23 in the semis to enter the summit clash.

The men's final later Sunday tees up the two top players in the world, top-ranked Kento Momota of Japan against number two and home star Shi Yuqi.

Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu defeated Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to clinch her maiden BWF World Tour Finals title. The world number six, renowned for her never-say-die attitude, has also twice lost in the final of the World Championships and was runner-up in last year's season finale.

Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu defeated Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to clinch her maiden BWF World Tour Finals title. The world number six, renowned for her never-say-die attitude, has also twice lost in the final of the World Championships and was runner-up in last year's season finale. But she put all that heartbreak behind her in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, beating the fifth-ranked Okuhara 21-19, 21-17 in the women's final in just over an hour. Sindhu, who was always in control of the match, sealed the championship with a forehand smash, before collapsing to the court floor on her hands and knees. With the magnificent win, she became first Indian to achieve such feat. Sindhu outplayed Okuhara to win her first title of the year as she struggled throughout the year but ended 2018 with a historic win. The 23-year-old started both the game taking initial lead but her familiar foe managed to bounce to trouble her. However, Sindhu stayed focused and emerged victorious over Okuhara, to whom she had lost an epic World Championship final, last year. Earlier, she outplayed Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon 21-16, 25-23 in the semis to enter the summit clash. The men's final later Sunday tees up the two top players in the world, top-ranked Kento Momota of Japan against number two and home star Shi Yuqi.

BWF World Tour Finals: PV Sindhu defeats Nozomi Okuhara to win historic title

Indian shuttler <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=PV+Sindhu">PV Sindhu</a>&nbsp;on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here.

After losing seven successive summit clashes, Olympic silver medallist Sindhu finally settled her finals blues with a 21-19 21-17 win over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to lift the prestigious season-ending trophy.

"I feel really happy. I have no words because it is my first win this year after coming and losing in the finals, so it was memorable. The year has ended on a beautiful note," said Sindhu, who won silvers at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships this year.

"Somewhere every time people have been asking me the same question. I hope the question won't again come to me, asking why all the time coming to the finals I lose. I think I can say now that I won a gold and I am really very proud."

Her mentor and chief India coach Pullela Gopichand also stressed the importance of Sindhu crossing the final hurdle.

"There has been a lot of talk of her losing the finals and I think that at least, not for anybody else but for Sindhu's mind, I think it is important she lost in the final with a comprehensive big win," he said."People have been waiting for it and it is great to have this win at the end of the year."

Talking about her title win, world number six Sindhu said: "The last to last year I lost in the semifinal and last year I finished runners-up. This time I am the winner, so it is a beautiful tournament for me as I won all matches in the league stages and also the semifinals and finals.

"I would definitely enjoy the moment as I am here. Next, we have the Indian league (Premier badminton League), so I will go directly for that and I hope to do well there so that would be all for the year."

Sindhu, who had lost in the finals in the last edition, said she sometimes lost focus during the title clash.

"It was a good match. Overall there was a lot of rallies. Sometimes I was remembering about the last final but I tried to focus again on the match," she said."Whenever I play against Okuhara or Yamaguchi I never think it would be easy. I know every time it would be tough. Today also the rallies were 30-40 strokes, but I gave my 100 per cent and I won. Okuhara also played very well."

Asked about her targets for next year, Sindhu said: "Next year it will be Olympic qualification year and we have to keep ourself fit and strategies which tournaments to play and we will have Malaysia and Indonesia coming up next year."

Badminton Association of India President Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Sindhu.

"It is a great year-ending for Indian badminton. Sindhu winning the Tours Final and defeating the best players in the world in the process indicates journey of Indian badminton in the right direction," said Sarma.&nbsp;

"I congratulate the Sindhu on behalf of entire Badminton Association of India.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here. After losing seven successive summit clashes, Olympic silver medallist Sindhu finally settled her finals blues with a 21-19 21-17 win over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to lift the prestigious season-ending trophy. "I feel really happy. I have no words because it is my first win this year after coming and losing in the finals, so it was memorable. The year has ended on a beautiful note," said Sindhu, who won silvers at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships this year. "Somewhere every time people have been asking me the same question. I hope the question won't again come to me, asking why all the time coming to the finals I lose. I think I can say now that I won a gold and I am really very proud." Her mentor and chief India coach Pullela Gopichand also stressed the importance of Sindhu crossing the final hurdle. "There has been a lot of talk of her losing the finals and I think that at least, not for anybody else but for Sindhu's mind, I think it is important she lost in the final with a comprehensive big win," he said."People have been waiting for it and it is great to have this win at the end of the year." Talking about her title win, world number six Sindhu said: "The last to last year I lost in the semifinal and last year I finished runners-up. This time I am the winner, so it is a beautiful tournament for me as I won all matches in the league stages and also the semifinals and finals. "I would definitely enjoy the moment as I am here. Next, we have the Indian league (Premier badminton League), so I will go directly for that and I hope to do well there so that would be all for the year." Sindhu, who had lost in the finals in the last edition, said she sometimes lost focus during the title clash. "It was a good match. Overall there was a lot of rallies. Sometimes I was remembering about the last final but I tried to focus again on the match," she said."Whenever I play against Okuhara or Yamaguchi I never think it would be easy. I know every time it would be tough. Today also the rallies were 30-40 strokes, but I gave my 100 per cent and I won. Okuhara also played very well." Asked about her targets for next year, Sindhu said: "Next year it will be Olympic qualification year and we have to keep ourself fit and strategies which tournaments to play and we will have Malaysia and Indonesia coming up next year." Badminton Association of India President Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Sindhu. "It is a great year-ending for Indian badminton. Sindhu winning the Tours Final and defeating the best players in the world in the process indicates journey of Indian badminton in the right direction," said Sarma. "I congratulate the Sindhu on behalf of entire Badminton Association of India.

Hope no one will now question my ability to win big titles: Sindhu after maiden WTF title

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes.

"This match is very important for me," she said afterwards.

Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals.

"I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said.&nbsp;

"Of course."&nbsp;

Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China.

Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play.

"I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters.

"It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best.

"She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end."&nbsp;

In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17.

Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points.

The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara said her triumph over a determined Ratchanok Intanon in Sunday's Hong Kong Open final is a massive confidence boost ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Both players were hungry for the win, drawing level 13 times in the second game before the sixth-ranked Okuhara beat the Thai, a former world champion, 21-19, 24-22 in 64 minutes. "This match is very important for me," she said afterwards. Okuhara went on to say that she would spend the next year working to secure her place at next year's Olympics alongside world number two Akane Yamaguchi, who Intanon beat in three games in the quarter-finals. "I and Akane will get a gold medal," she said. "Of course." Sunday was Okuhara's last game of the tournament before next month's World Tour finals in China. Intanon had won four of their previous five match-ups and the respect between the players were palpable, with both sharing a long embrace in her opponent's court at the end of play. "I feel like my performance at the moment is quite good," Intanon told reporters. "It was a tough game for me. It's not easy to beat her but I tried my best. "She is a strong woman, she always plays long rallies and I tried to hold her and fight to the end." In the women's doubles, top-ranked Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat Korean challengers Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan 21-18, 21-17. Lee and Shin both fell on the court to save a long second-game rally to level at 15-all before conceding the next five points. The Japanese duo are now 2-0 against Lee and Shin after their two-game victory in the Asian Games quarter-finals.

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara defeats Intanon to win maiden Hong Kong Open title

Saina Nehwal went down fighting against former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the quarterfinals to draw curtains on India's campaign at the Korea Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Friday.

The fifth-seeded Indian squandered four match points to go down 21-15 15-21 20-22 to the third-seeded Okuhara in a match that lasted almost an hour. It was Saina's third successive defeat to the Japanese.

Going into the match with an overall 6-3 head-to-head count against Okuhara, Saina took time to get into the groove as Okuhra led 3-0 early on.

The Indian slowly clawed back at 6-6 before grabbing a slender 11-10 advantage at the first break.

After the interval, Saina continued to move ahead and reeled off five straight points at 15-12 to gain eight game points and soon pocketed the opening game.

In the second game, Okuhara again opened a 4-1 lead. She made it 6-6 but the Japanese broke off at 8-8 to make it 14-9 and then made rapid progress to roar back into the contest.

Saina stepped up in the decider, managing a 4-1 lead this time but Okuhara kept snapping at her heels, reducing the margin to 10-11 at the breather.

After the break, Saina produced five points on the trot to make it 16-10 and then grabbed four match points at 20-16.

But the Japanese dynamo showed her fighting spirit as she reeled off six points on the trot to surpass Saina and seal the match.

Saina had reached the final of the Indonesia Masters in January and the only tournament she won this year was the Commonwealth Games in April, beating compatriot P V Sindhu in the final at Gold Coast.

She also won a bronze at the 18th Asian Games.&nbsp;

Saina Nehwal went down fighting against former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the quarterfinals to draw curtains on India's campaign at the Korea Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Friday.

Saina Nehwal went down fighting against former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the quarterfinals to draw curtains on India's campaign at the Korea Open World Tour Super 500 tournament here Friday. The fifth-seeded Indian squandered four match points to go down 21-15 15-21 20-22 to the third-seeded Okuhara in a match that lasted almost an hour. It was Saina's third successive defeat to the Japanese. Going into the match with an overall 6-3 head-to-head count against Okuhara, Saina took time to get into the groove as Okuhra led 3-0 early on. The Indian slowly clawed back at 6-6 before grabbing a slender 11-10 advantage at the first break. After the interval, Saina continued to move ahead and reeled off five straight points at 15-12 to gain eight game points and soon pocketed the opening game. In the second game, Okuhara again opened a 4-1 lead. She made it 6-6 but the Japanese broke off at 8-8 to make it 14-9 and then made rapid progress to roar back into the contest. Saina stepped up in the decider, managing a 4-1 lead this time but Okuhara kept snapping at her heels, reducing the margin to 10-11 at the breather. After the break, Saina produced five points on the trot to make it 16-10 and then grabbed four match points at 20-16. But the Japanese dynamo showed her fighting spirit as she reeled off six points on the trot to surpass Saina and seal the match. Saina had reached the final of the Indonesia Masters in January and the only tournament she won this year was the Commonwealth Games in April, beating compatriot P V Sindhu in the final at Gold Coast. She also won a bronze at the 18th Asian Games.

Korea Open: Saina loses to Japan's Okuhara after squandering four match points

PV Sindhu was knocked out of the Japan Open Super Series after she lost to Nozomi Okuhara in the second round.

The Japanese badminton player beat Sindhu 21-18, 21-8.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Japan Open Superseries: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PVSindhu?src=hash">#PVSindhu</a> knocked out after losing to Japan&#39;s Nozomi Okuhara, 18-21, 8-21.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/910774509606649857">September 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Sindhu had only last week beaten Okuhara in the final of the Korea Open Super Series.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-wins-korea-open-super-series-20300" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;PV Sindhu wins Korea Open Super Series</a>

Saina Nehwal also lost her match to Spain&#39;s Carolina Marin.

Marin defeated Saina 16-21, 13-21.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Japan Open Superseries: Saina Nehwal loses to Spain&#39;s Carolina Marin by 16-21, 13-,21
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/910804486876098561">September 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Nozomi Okuhara beat Sindhu by 21-18, 21-8 whereas Marin defeated Saina by 21-16, 21-13

PV Sindhu was knocked out of the Japan Open Super Series after she lost to Nozomi Okuhara in the second round. The Japanese badminton player beat Sindhu 21-18, 21-8. Japan Open Superseries: #PVSindhu knocked out after losing to Japan's Nozomi Okuhara, 18-21, 8-21. — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2017 × Sindhu had only last week beaten Okuhara in the final of the Korea Open Super Series. Also Read: PV Sindhu wins Korea Open Super Series Saina Nehwal also lost her match to Spain's Carolina Marin. Marin defeated Saina 16-21, 13-21. Japan Open Superseries: Saina Nehwal loses to Spain's Carolina Marin by 16-21, 13-,21 — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2017 ×

Japan Open Super Series: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal knocked out

nozomi-okuhara

Nozomi Okuhara, News on Nozomi Okuhara, stories on Nozomi Okuhara, articles on Nozomi Okuhara, Nozomi Okuhara stories at Wion, Nozomi Okuhara news, Nozomi Okuhara latest news

nozomi okuhara

Japan Open 2026: PV Sindhu storms into semifinals

16-year old Tanvi Sharma stuns former world no.1 Nozomi Okuhara

Exclusive: PV Sindhu speaks to WION on her historic win

WION Exclusive: In conversation with PV Sindhu on her victory in BWF World Championships

WION Exclusive: In conversation with PV Sindhu on her victory in BWF World Championships

PV Sindhu becomes first Indian to win BWF World Championships

World Championships 2019: PV Sindhu wins India's maiden gold medal

Her success will inspire generations: PM Narendra Modi hails PV Sindhu for winning gold at BWF World Championship

BWF World Tour Finals: PV Sindhu defeats Nozomi Okuhara to win historic title

Hope no one will now question my ability to win big titles: Sindhu after maiden WTF title

Japan's Nozomi Okuhara defeats Intanon to win maiden Hong Kong Open title

Korea Open: Saina loses to Japan's Okuhara after squandering four match points

Japan Open Super Series: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal knocked out