PV Sindhu clinched her biggest win of 2025 by defeating world No. 6 Tomoka Miyazaki at the China Open Super 1000, signaling a much-needed morale boost for the veteran shuttler.
A Breakthrough Victory
After a challenging year marked by struggles and close defeats, PV Sindhu secured a significant victory against Japan’s rising teen star, Tomoka Miyazaki. This win, with scores of 21-15, 8-21, 21-17, marks her first against a top-10 opponent since October last year.
The triumph comes amidst a period where Sindhu, like fellow Indian shuttler HS Prannoy, has openly spoken about the difficulties faced by veteran players on the circuit. Her determination was clear, as she fought through the match, demonstrating moments of brilliance and sheer will.
Facing the Next Generation
Tomoka Miyazaki, at just 18, represents the new wave of badminton talent known for long rallies and patient point construction. Sindhu had previously faced Miyazaki at the 2024 Swiss Open, where the younger player emerged victorious in a grueling 79-minute encounter.
This match highlighted the physical demands on Sindhu’s “ageing body” against opponents who bring relentless energy and a dominant style to the court. The challenge for Sindhu is adapting her game to match the endurance and intensity of these younger players.
Match Dynamics: A Three-Game Thriller
First Game: Sindhu’s Strong Start
Sindhu began the match with impressive control, quickly building a lead. Her ability to keep the shuttle in play, combined with well-timed lifts and lunges, put pressure on Miyazaki. Sindhu capitalised on errors from the Japanese player, sealing the first game confidently.
Second Game: Miyazaki’s Resurgence
As expected, Miyazaki found her rhythm in the second game. She surged ahead, showing why she’s a top-ranked player. Sindhu, perhaps strategically, conserved energy, allowing Miyazaki to dominate this game, likely with an eye on the deciding third set.
Third Game: The Decider
Sindhu came out firing in the final game, quickly establishing a 5-1 lead. Her grit was evident in every point, retrieving difficult shots and increasing her aggression. Despite Miyazaki’s attempts to close the gap, Sindhu maintained her advantage, showing strong defensive play and timely winners. She held on to clinch the match in 62 minutes, letting out a roar of relief and triumph.
A Much-Awaited Morale Boost
Speaking after the match, Sindhu expressed her satisfaction, calling it “a much-awaited win.” She emphasized the importance of these victories for her confidence and morale, noting that she has often come close but fallen short in three-game matches recently.
Her focus was on patience, keeping the shuttle in play, and minimizing errors—a strategy that paid off handsomely against a challenging opponent. This win signals that despite the “tough” nature of being a veteran, Sindhu still possesses the fight and skill to compete at the highest level.
- PV Sindhu defeated world No. 6 Tomoka Miyazaki at the China Open Super 1000.
- This is Sindhu’s first win against a top-10 player since October last year and her biggest of 2025.
- The victory comes after a period of struggles, offering a crucial morale boost.
- Sindhu showed resilience, particularly in the decisive third game, adapting her strategy against a younger, aggressive opponent.
This hard-fought victory against a rising star demonstrates Sindhu’s enduring competitive spirit and provides a strong foundation for her upcoming tournaments.
