Sindhu Crashes Out Early as Lakshya, Satwik-Chirag Shine at Japan Open 2025

New Delhi (India) July 16: Two-time Olympic champion PV Sindhu lost in the first round of the Japan Open 2025 Super 750 tournament. This marks yet another heartbreaking early exit.

Early Exit for Sindhu

The former world champion continued her disturbing run of form this season. She lost to Sim Yu Jin of South Korea in back-to-back games.

Sindhu appeared puzzled throughout the game. She made a lot of mistakes, especially when estimating the length of her shots. In less than 30 minutes, she lost 15-21, 14-21. This is her eighth first-round loss of the year. 

Sim defeated the Indian superstar for the first time in her career. She displayed signs of fighting in the opening game.

Sindhu fell behind 1-6 early in the second set but fought to tie the match at 11-all. But the Korean fought once more in a matter of seconds. She ended the match with a confident win.

India, on the other hand, had success elsewhere on the first day. Lakshya Sen and the men's doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the second round with convincing straight-game wins.

Satwik-Chirag Dominate Korean Duo

The former world No. 1 duo of Satwik and Chirag defeated Korea's Kang Min Hyuk and Kim Dong Ju 21-18, 21-10. They won the game in just 42 minutes after overcoming a tough opening period. They are currently rated 15th in the world. The Indian team took a while to get going but settled down halfway through the opening game and took over.

They proved their intention to go far in the competition with their aggressive play at the net. They also showed massive effectiveness in the second game.

Lakshya Moves Into Round of 16

Lakshya Sen is presently ranked 18th in the world. He defeated Wang Zheng Xing of China 21-11, 21-18. It is one of his greatest performances of the season. 

The 23-year-old looked good right away, winning the first game with ease after jumping out to an 11-2 lead. In the second, Wang put up more of a fight, but Lakshya maintained composure to end the match without losing a single game.

He now has to fight with seventh rank and home favourite Kodai Naraoka in the round of 16.

All eyes will be on Lakshya and the experienced Satwik-Chirag pair to lead India's effort at the Japan Open 2025 now that Sindhu's campaign has been cut short.

Aadrika Tayal