July 19 (Reuters) - PV Sindhu won the Japan Open women's singles titles on Sunday, becoming the first Indian to claim the title with a 21-17 21-17 victory over home favourite Akane Yamaguchi.
After falling behind early in the opening game, Sindhu fought back to take control and seal the title in straight games.
"This is what I fight for. The flag. My country," the 31-year-old said following her victory in an Instagram story.
The title is Sindhu's first major triumph since winning the Singapore Open in 2022.It is also the former world champion's first tour-level title since lifting the Syed Modi International crown in December 2024.
The victory provides a timely boost for Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist, ahead of the World Championships in New Delhi from August 17-23.
(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Michael Perry)
