Read the full story on SportsLook - Badminton Star Akane Yamaguchi Captures 4th Japan Open Title
Two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi completed her title quest at the Japan Open with a dynamic display of all-around badminton skills.
In the women's singles final, world No 5 Yamaguchi waltzed past Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan, winning 21-11, 21-10 on Sunday, August 25 at Yokohama Arena.
Yamaguchi overpowered her 14th-ranked opponent from start to finish in the 43-minute showdown.
As a result, the 27-year Fukui Prefecture native captured her fourth Japan Open singles titles. She previously won the badminton tournament in 2013, 2019 and 2022.
Yamaguchi improved to 12-2 in her career against Ongbamrungphan.
The Japanese standout, who was the world champion in 2021 and 2022, had a 42-21 advantage in rallies won in the one-sided match.
"Overall, I was able to stay proactive," Yamaguchi said after the title match, according to Agence France-Press. "I was in control of the game throughout."
She added, "I remained very positive throughout the match and wanted to perform better and better."
Acknowledging that Japanese fans helped give her a boost, Yamaguchi told reporters the final was enjoyable.
"It was very fun," she was quoted as saying by Agence France-Presse. "I was able to stay relaxed and the results followed."
Badminton Star Endures Injury, Returns to Form
In March, Yamaguchi was the runner-up in back-to-back Badminton World Federation tournaments, the French Open and the All England Open.
But Yamaguchi sustained a hip injury in March, forcing her to pull out of the All England Open before the title match. The injury sidelined her for several weeks.
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
RELATED:
- Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe Collect Their 2nd Straight Bronze in Badminton Mixed Doubles
- Akane Yamaguchi Aims to Climb Back to Top of Badminton World in Paris
- Akane Yamaguchi Wins 2nd Straight Title at Badminton World Championships
- BADMINTON | Akane Yamaguchi Collects Tournament Title for Second Straight Week
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
