Sindhu Defeats World No. 6 Miyazaki, Signals Strong Comeback at China Open

In a performance brimming with grit, precision, and tactical maturity, India’s PV Sindhu pulled off her biggest win of 2025, defeating world No. 6 Tomoka Miyazaki in straight games at the China Open. For fans of Indian badminton and for Sindhu herself, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.

The two-time Olympic medallist outclassed her younger Japanese opponent 21-18, 21-16 in a match that lasted just under 50 minutes. With this victory, Sindhu not only booked her place in the quarterfinals but also reminded the world that she’s still capable of challenging the sport’s elite.

🔄 A Crucial Turnaround in a Tough Year

2025 hasn’t been the smoothest ride for PV Sindhu. Following a challenging 2024 season plagued with inconsistency, early exits, and recovery from minor injuries, the 29-year-old had slipped down the world rankings. Once a regular fixture in finals, Sindhu’s recent outings had seen her fall short against rising stars and established names alike.

Her performance at the China Open came amidst low expectations, especially with her draw pitting her against the red-hot Tomoka Miyazaki, a 21-year-old sensation known for her speed, deceptive drops, and powerful jump smashes.

Yet on this day, Sindhu turned the tables.

🧠 Tactical Brilliance and Mental Toughness

Right from the first serve, Sindhu appeared sharp and focused, a clear departure from some of her sluggish starts earlier this season. She held her ground during long rallies, showing excellent court coverage and reading Miyazaki’s deceptive plays with clarity.

The key to her victory? A perfect mix of aggression and patience.

• She countered Miyazaki’s net play with deft touches of her own.

• Her cross-court smashes, especially from the backhand side, frequently caught the Japanese off guard.

• Perhaps most impressively, Sindhu held her nerve during key points, especially when Miyazaki tried to claw back in both games.

Sindhu’s coach, Hafiz Hashim, could be seen urging calm and confidence from the sidelines, and the veteran followed it to the letter. With each point, her belief grew, and by the time she closed the first game 21-18, the tide had clearly shifted.

🏸 Second Game: Closing It With Authority

The second game saw Sindhu take early control. Leading 11-7 at the mid-game interval, she never allowed Miyazaki to find her rhythm again. Her drop shots became sharper, her footwork more fluid, and her presence on the court more dominant.

Even as Miyazaki attempted to increase the pace, Sindhu matched her stride for stride. Two crucial challenges went in Sindhu’s favor in the second game, halting Miyazaki’s attempted comeback and further swinging momentum India’s way.

When she sealed the match at 21-16, Sindhu raised both hands in celebration—not flamboyantly, but with quiet satisfaction. She knew what this victory meant—not just for her ranking, but for her mindset.

🗣️ Post-Match Reactions

Speaking after the match, a visibly relieved Sindhu said:

“It feels amazing. I’ve been working very hard these past few months. Wins like this remind me of why I love the game. Tomoka is a fantastic player, and I knew I had to bring my A-game.”

Coach Hashim added:

“This was strategic discipline. Sindhu stuck to the plan, didn’t panic, and executed shots with confidence. This win could be the catalyst for the rest of her season.”

🧬 Why This Win Matters

In the cutthroat world of international badminton, where younger players with explosive speed often dominate, experience and temperament still count—something Sindhu proved emphatically in this match.

Here’s why the win is significant:

• Confidence Booster: After multiple early exits this year, beating a top-10 player will reinforce self-belief.

• Olympics 2028 Pathway: Every ranking point counts as qualification begins to shape up, and this win will earn her a valuable bump.

• Fan Faith Restored: Social media was abuzz after the win, with fans and former players celebrating her comeback performance.

• Psychological Edge: Sindhu has now beaten Miyazaki twice in their last three meetings, establishing a psychological advantage.

🔮 The Road Ahead

Sindhu’s next match in the quarterfinals will be against either An Se Young or He Bingjiao—both formidable opponents. But if she can maintain the same rhythm and tactical clarity, an upset isn’t out of the question.

The India camp is cautiously optimistic. Having shown glimpses of her best today, the focus will be on recovery, strategy, and keeping her mental game sharp.

🏆 Legacy Still in Play

With two Olympic medals, multiple World Championship podium finishes, and a host of Superseries titles under her belt, PV Sindhu has nothing left to prove. But champions don’t just play to prove a point—they play to chase the thrill of victory.

Her win over Miyazaki isn’t just about rankings or results—it’s a reminder that Sindhu isn’t done yet.

As one fan wrote online:

“The fire in her eyes is back. This is the PV Sindhu we’ve missed.”

Final Score:
🔹 PV Sindhu def. Tomoka Miyazaki: 21-18, 21-16

With the crowd rallying behind her, and momentum on her side, PV Sindhu heads into the next round—not as an underdog, but once again, as a threat.

And just like that, the lioness roars again.