Tokyo, 17 July (H.S.): India's star badminton player PV Sindhu has advanced to the semi-finals of the BWF Japan Open Super 750 tournament after receiving a walkover in the quarter-finals, following the withdrawal of her opponent, former world champion and home favourite Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, due to injury.

With this result, Sindhu has reached the semi-finals of a Super 750 event for the first time since the 2023 Denmark Open. It also marks her third semi-final appearance of the 2026 season, underlining her impressive return to form.

Having begun the season ranked World No. 18, Sindhu has climbed back into the top 10 and is currently ranked World No. 9.

Semifinal Challenge Against Chen Yufei

In the semi-finals, Sindhu will face China's former Olympic champion and World No. 4 Chen Yufei. Chen secured her place in the last four with a commanding 21-10, 21-12 victory over South Korea's Sim Yu Jin in the quarter-finals.

Sindhu and Chen have faced each other 14 times on the international circuit, with the Chinese shuttler holding an 8-6 head-to-head advantage. Notably, Sindhu has lost each of their last five encounters.

The semi-final will therefore present a significant challenge for the Indian ace. A victory would not only end her losing streak against Chen but also earn her a place in the final of a Super 750 tournament for the first time in nearly three years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar