India’s two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu bowed out of the Australian Badminton Open 2026 after losing to reigning world champion and third seed Akane Yamaguchi in the women’s singles semifinals.
Sindhu fought hard in a closely contested opening game but eventually went down 22-20, 21-12 in 43 minutes. The Indian star led at stages of the first game before Yamaguchi produced a six-point burst to gain control. Although Sindhu mounted a comeback and saved a game point, the Japanese shuttler held her nerve. Yamaguchi then dominated the second game with seven consecutive points to seal victory.
The defeat means Sindhu’s search for her first BWF World Tour final appearance of 2026 continues despite another encouraging semifinal run.