PV Sindhu got off to a winning start at the Japan Open Super Series, with a comprehensive 21-12, 21-13 win over qualifier Yukino Nakai.
It was a tight first Game 1 between the two initially. After twice taking large leads, at 7-3 and 10-5, the qualifier Nakai came back strongly to tie it at 10-10.
That was as good as it for the Japanese, however, as Sindhu completely dominated after that started reeling off points quickly to take the first set 21-12.
Sindhu started off Game 2 equally dominant, taking a 6-0 lead before Yukino clawed back to tie the game at 8-8, and then again at 12-12. But Sindhu again used her superior skills to go on to win the game easily at 21-13.
Sindhu’s net game was very good, as she won 21 points there compared to Nakai’s 13.
Meanwhile, the only other Indian women’s player in the Open, Tanvi Lad, lost 15-21, 10-21 to Sayaka Takahashi of Japan.
The difference in rankings between the two was clear to see, with the 77 ranked Indian beaten comprehensively to the World No.20 Takahashi.
Other Indian men’s singles players are also in action today, including the likes of K Srikanth, Ajay Jayaram and Sai Praneeth.