Sindhu cruises past Wong to enter Japan open round Two

Indian shuttler begins Super 750 campaign with commanding straight-game victory.

PV Sindhu launched her Japan Open Super 750 journey with a resounding win, brushing aside Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching in straight games to secure her place in the women’s singles second round. The two-time Olympic medallist and 2019 world champion displayed authority from the outset, clinching the match 21-14, 21-11 in just under 40 minutes.

Sindhu, currently ranked World No. 10, dictated the tempo early, opening up a 7-4 lead before stretching it to 11-6 at the mid-game interval. Her deft drops, sharp backhand dribbles, and well-disguised half-smashes kept Wong on the defensive. Although the Malaysian attempted to stay in contention, frequent unforced errors allowed Sindhu to maintain control. A powerful smash earned her multiple game points, and she sealed the opener with ease.

The second game followed a similar script. Sindhu raced to an 8-2 lead and widened the gap to 11-3 at the interval. Wong struggled with accuracy, handing Sindhu opportunities to extend her advantage to 16-5. Despite a brief rally from the Malaysian, the Indian quickly regained momentum. A net error from Wong eventually gifted Sindhu ten match points, and she closed the contest without fuss, advancing confidently to the next round.

India’s mixed doubles pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also impressed, defeating Scotland’s Alexander Dunn and Julie Macpherson 21-16, 21-14 to move into the second round. However, it was a disappointment for Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde, who fell 11-21, 10-21 to China’s top-seeded duo Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping.

Later in the day, India’s men’s doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded third, are set to face Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard. Another men’s doubles clash will see Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun take on Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan of Chinese Taipei.

Sindhu’s commanding start underscores her determination to reclaim top form on the international circuit. With her sharp shot-making and tactical composure, she has set the tone for what could be a deep run in Tokyo.