Indian badminton star PV Sindhu advanced to the semifinals of the Malaysia Open after her quarterfinal opponent, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, retired from the match due to injury. Sindhu had taken firm control of the contest, winning the opening game 21–11, before the three-time world champion and third seed decided to withdraw.

The match, which was highly anticipated given the rivalry between the two players, came to an early end when Yamaguchi, who was wearing a visible knee brace, showed signs of discomfort. After the conclusion of the first game, the Japanese shuttler consulted with officials and medical staff before making the difficult decision to pull out of the contest.

Sindhu looked sharp and composed from the start, dictating the pace with aggressive shot placement and strong movement on court. She capitalised on Yamaguchi’s limited mobility, forcing longer rallies and pushing the Japanese player to the backcourt. The Indian shuttler’s dominance in the opening game reflected her growing confidence and form at the tournament.

Yamaguchi’s withdrawal was a setback for the Malaysian Open, as the Japanese player is one of the most consistent performers on the international circuit. A three-time world champion, she entered the tournament as the third seed but has been managing knee issues, which appeared to worsen during the quarterfinal match. Her decision to retire was likely influenced by the need to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of future competitions.

For Sindhu, the result marks another positive step in her campaign at the prestigious BWF Super 1000 event. The former world champion has been working to regain peak form after an injury-affected period and early exits in recent tournaments. Her performance against a top opponent, even in a shortened match, will provide a boost heading into the semifinals.

Speaking after the match, Sindhu expressed sympathy for her opponent and wished Yamaguchi a speedy recovery. She also acknowledged the importance of staying focused and prepared for the challenges ahead, noting that each round at this level demands high intensity and mental resilience.

With this win, Sindhu moves into the semifinals, where she will face another strong contender as she aims for a spot in the final. The Malaysian Open is considered a key event on the badminton calendar, attracting the world’s top players and offering valuable ranking points ahead of major international tournaments.

As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Sindhu’s semifinal clash and whether she can maintain her momentum. Her assured start in the quarterfinal and her ability to capitalise on opportunities underline her experience and competitive edge on the big stage, keeping Indian badminton fans hopeful of a strong finish at the Malaysia Open.