Two Time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu on friday entered the semifinal of the Malasyian open 2026 after third seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan retired from the quarter final after the first game.
Former world champion Sindhu was declared the winner after the japanese opponent retired from the match after losing first game 21-11. This would be Sindhus first semifinal in an international tournament afte 13 months. Sindhu had reached quarterfinals with a stunning win over yamaguchi's compatriot Tomoka Miyazaki on Thrusday.
The formidable Yamaguchi didn't look liker her old self, as Sindhu raced to a 11-5 lead at the interval in the first game.In the middle of the exchange, Yamaguchi injured herself while attempting a shot as she sprained her ankle.
Sindhu won the game 21-11 in just 12 minutes. Soon after it ended, Yamaguchi went to the umpire and informed him about her decision to retire from the match and shook hands with Sindhu.
Sindhu last reached the semi finals at Syed Modi International in December 2024, Where she defeated compatriot Unnati Hooda in straight games and then easily defeated chinese Wo Luo Yo to win the title.
In the Semifinal Sindhu will either face second seed chinese player Wang Zi Yi or sixth seed Indonesian player Putri Kusuma Wardani.
