PV Sindhu Begins Japan Open 2026 Campaign with Dominant Win; Dhruv-Tanisha Also Progress

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu made a confident start to her Japan Open 2026 campaign with a commanding straight-games victory, while the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also booked their place in the second round of the BWF Super 750 tournament in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Sindhu needed just 36 minutes to defeat Malaysia's Wong Ling Ching 21-14, 21-11, showcasing her experience and control throughout the contest. Dhruv and Tanisha followed with another impressive performance, defeating Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Julie Macpherson in straight games to continue India's challenge in the prestigious tournament.

However, it was a mixed opening day for the Indian contingent, with Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde exiting in mixed doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun falling in a hard-fought men's doubles clash, and the highly anticipated campaign of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty ending prematurely after the pair were forced to retire because of Satwik's recurring shoulder injury.

PV Sindhu entered the Japan Open looking to build momentum during a crucial phase of the international badminton calendar, and the former world champion delivered an assured performance against Wong Ling Ching.

The Indian controlled the rallies from the outset, using her trademark attacking game and superior court coverage to dictate play. Sindhu took the opening game 21-14 without allowing her opponent to settle into any rhythm. The second game followed a similar pattern as Sindhu tightened her grip on the contest. Mixing aggressive smashes with precise net play, she repeatedly forced errors from the Malaysian before sealing the match 21-11.

The straightforward victory not only secured her place in the second round but also ensured valuable court time without expending unnecessary energy ahead of tougher challenges later in the tournament.

For Sindhu, who has enjoyed success in Japan throughout her career, the performance offered encouraging signs as she seeks another deep run at a major BWF event.

India also had reason to celebrate in mixed doubles, where Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto produced another composed performance. Facing Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Julie Macpherson, the Indian pair displayed excellent coordination and tactical discipline throughout the match. They claimed the opening game 21-16 before maintaining their momentum to wrap up the second game 21-14.

The victory highlighted the growing chemistry between Dhruv and Tanisha, who have steadily established themselves as India's leading mixed doubles combination over the past few seasons. With consistent performances on the BWF World Tour, the pair continues to strengthen its position ahead of several major international events later this year.

India's second mixed doubles pairing of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde faced one of the toughest possible opening-round draws against top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping of China.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/satwik-chirag-return-to-lead-india-s-challenge-at-japan-open-super-750

The Chinese combination, among the favourites for the title, proved too strong, winning 21-11, 21-10 in a one-sided contest. Despite the defeat, competing against one of the world's strongest mixed doubles pairs provides valuable experience for the Indian duo as they continue to develop on the international circuit.

Hariharan and Arjun Show Fight Before Bowing Out

In men's doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun displayed resilience despite suffering a first-round exit. After losing the opening game 13-21 to Chinese Taipei's Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, the Indian pair fought back impressively to take the second game 21-17. Their comeback briefly shifted momentum, raising hopes of an upset. However, the experienced Taiwanese pair regained control in the deciding game, dominating proceedings to close out the match 21-7 and secure their place in the second round.

Although the result ended India's challenge in that section of the draw, Hariharan and Arjun demonstrated their ability to compete against established international pairs.

The biggest disappointment for India came in the men's doubles event involving Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. One of the tournament's strongest title contenders, the Indian duo was forced to retire during their opening-round match against Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard after Satwik experienced a recurrence of his shoulder injury.

The Danish pair had edged a closely contested opening game 21-19 before the Indians decided they could not continue. The retirement raises fresh concerns over Satwik's fitness, especially with several important tournaments approaching later in the season.

The former Asian Games champions have battled injury setbacks in recent months, and maintaining full fitness will be essential as they target success on the BWF World Tour and at future major championships.

India's opening day at the Japan Open produced both encouraging performances and unfortunate setbacks. Sindhu's commanding victory reinforced her status as one of India's strongest medal hopes, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto continued their encouraging progress in mixed doubles. At the same time, Satwik's injury remains a significant concern given the importance of the men's doubles pair to India's international ambitions.

With Sindhu and the Dhruv-Tanisha partnership advancing, Indian hopes remain alive in Tokyo.

As the competition moves into the second round, Sindhu will aim to build on her impressive start and continue her pursuit of another BWF World Tour title, while Dhruv and Tanisha will look to carry their strong form into the latter stages of one of badminton's most prestigious Super 750 tournaments.