Did Sindhu reach the Malaysia Open semifinals after Yamaguchi's injury retirement?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn at the Malaysia Open, India’s PV Sindhu advanced to the semifinals as her opponent, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, had to retire due to injury. This marks a significant milestone for Sindhu as she aims for her first Super 1000 title in three years. Who will she face next?
Key Takeaways
- PV Sindhu advances to semifinals after Yamaguchi retires.
- This marks Sindhu's first Super 1000 semifinal in three years.
- Yamaguchi struggled with injury and movement during the match.
- Sindhu's next opponent is yet to be determined.
- Indian badminton continues to show promise with strong performances.
Kuala Lumpur, Jan 9 (NationPress) India’s star badminton player PV Sindhu advanced to the semifinals of the women’s singles at the Malaysia Open tournament after her opponent, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, retired during the match due to injury at the Stadium Axiata Arena on Friday.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, was leading 21-11 against the reigning world champion Yamaguchi when the Japanese player informed the chair umpire that she could not proceed because her injury was affecting her mobility.
Yamaguchi, who entered the match with a knee brace, appeared uncomfortable from the start as Sindhu quickly established a 10-2 advantage.
Despite Yamaguchi's attempts to challenge Sindhu by pushing her to the backcourt, her struggles with movement led to numerous unforced errors, ultimately having little effect on the outcome.
The Indian player took just 12 minutes to secure the first game, prompting Yamaguchi to retire, granting Sindhu her first Super 1000 semifinal appearance in three years.
This marks Sindhu's first appearance in the Malaysia Open semifinals in eight years, where she will compete against either the sixth-seeded Putri Kusuma Wardani from Indonesia or the second-seeded Wang Zhi Yi from China.
On Thursday, Sindhu had a commanding win over 19-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki, finishing with scores of 21-8, 21-13 in just 33 minutes, marking her first Super 1000 quarterfinal of the season.
Later that day, the two-time world championships bronze medallists Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy faced Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, the sixth-seeded duo from Indonesia.
The third-seeded Indian pair moved into the quarterfinals with a 21-18, 21-11 victory over Malaysia's Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap, extending their head-to-head record against the Malaysian team to 4–0.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the women’s doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand faced a tough match, losing 21-9, 21-23, 21-19 to Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspita Sari from Indonesia, resulting in an early exit from the tournament.
Point of View
PV Sindhu's progression in the Malaysia Open showcases her resilience and skill in the badminton arena. While the retirement of Yamaguchi raises concerns about player injuries, it also highlights the competitive nature of the sport. Sindhu's performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and the nation stands behind her as she aims for further success.
NationPress
11/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Akane Yamaguchi to retire?
Akane Yamaguchi retired due to injury concerns that affected her movement during the match.
How long did the first game last?
The first game lasted just 12 minutes before Yamaguchi retired.
Who will Sindhu face next in the semifinals?
Sindhu will face either sixth-seeded Putri Kusuma Wardani or second-seeded Wang Zhi Yi.
What was Sindhu's score against Tomoka Miyazaki?
Sindhu defeated Tomoka Miyazaki with scores of 21-8, 21-13.
What was the outcome for Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand?
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand lost their match against Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspita Sari.
