Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu produced a vintage display of attacking badminton to outclass local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, clinching her maiden Super 750 title at the Japan Open in Tokyo on Sunday.
The 31-year-old became the first Indian to win the Japan Open, combining relentless attack with tactical discipline and composure in the decisive moments to register a 21-17, 21-17 victory over the three-time world champion and end a title drought of more than two years.
Yamaguchi was appearing in her sixth Japan Open final, while Sindhu had not beaten the Japanese in a completed match in four years.
"I'm very happy, I'm just out of words because it was 19 months since I had won," said Sindhu after the match.
"I think this one was very important to me because playing in the finals, coming to the finals is one thing but I think to win and stand on the podium getting that gold is a different thing.
"I'm happy that I'm on the positive side and I think this gives me a lot of confidence. I think I'm very thankful to my coach, my parents, my support staff and of course my husband."
Sindhu's last title came at the Syed Modi International in 2024.
The Japan Open victory is her biggest title win since lifting the World Championships crown in 2019.
(With inputs from PTI)