PV Sindhu advances to the semifinals of the Japan Open badminton tournament in Tokyo after her Japanese opponent, Nozomi Okuhara, withdraws before their quarter-final match, resulting in a walkover. NDTV and multiple other outlets report the match is called off before play begins, allowing Sindhu to progress without contest.
Times of India adds that this is Sindhu’s first Japan Open semifinal, ending a long wait at the event. It also notes her current form on the season and her earlier win in the round of 16 over Han Yue.
Free Press Journal specifies Okuhara is ranked No. 11 and that the Tokyo quarter-final is stopped prior to any play. It also reports Sindhu is ranked No. 10 and that she is set to face Chen Yufei of China in the women’s singles semifinal. The same source highlights that Chen is a top-ranked player, and that their head-to-head record is in Chen’s favor, while also describing Chen’s strong 2026 results.
All reports agree Sindhu is the sole remaining Indian woman in the tournament at this stage and is now through to the Japan Open semifinals following Okuhara’s withdrawal.
