India’s lone contender PV Sindhu beats Han Yu, eyes clash with Natsumi Okahara

Tokyo, July 16 – After the mixed‑doubles campaign concluded, PV Sindhu stood alone as India’s remaining hope at the Japan Open. She delivered a decisive straight‑sets triumph over China’s Han Yu, the world’s fifth‑ranked player, with scores of 21‑16 and 21‑14.

Sindhu’s blend of restraint and attacking flair kept Han Yu on the defensive throughout the 35‑minute contest. Accurate clears and sharp smashes built a steady lead, and the Indian champion never let the Chinese opponent regain footing.

The victory improves Sindhu’s head‑to‑head tally against Han Yu to 8‑1, highlighting her superior form this year. In the quarterfinals, she will meet former world champion Nozomi Okuhara, who earned a walkover after South Korea’s An Se‑young withdrew because of injury.

With the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto falling in the pre‑quarterfinals, Sindhu now carries the sole responsibility of keeping India alive in the tournament.