PV Sindhu storms into Malaysia Open semi-finals after Yamaguchi retires with injury

Advertisement

New-Delhi: India’s star shuttler PV Sindhu advanced to the semifinals of the women’s singles in the Malaysian Open 2026 when her quarter-final opponent, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, withdrew halfway because of an injury. The outcome took Sindhu to her first semifinal in 13 months, a significant achievement after years of the injury-prone period.

After Yamaguchi retired due to physical discomfort, the quarterfinal match was called off with Sindhu having a one-game lead. This stroll clinched Sindhu a spot in the final four of the BWF Super 750 event, which is being hosted in Kuala Lumpur.

Sindhu, who is a two-time Olympic medalist and the former world champion, was in the Malaysia Open after a long recovery, which had left her out of regular deep-round appearances. Her last semifinal in the BWF Tour came in December 2024, making this run an important comeback marker.

Advertisement

Earlier in the tournament, the 28-year-old Indian demonstrated better movement and control, winning her first rounds in straight games in order to match the quarter final with the world No. 4 Yamaguchi.

This victory gave Sindhu vitally important ranking points, which will propel her in the BWF circuit before other major events, including other Super 750 and Super 1000 events in this season. The semifinal appearance also strengthened her drive towards continued form in the current international calendar.

Also Read: Sourav Ganguly and Aksha Kamboj Inspire Kolkata Tigers Ahead of ISPL Season 3

Advertisement