In a display of sheer dominance, Indian badminton star PV Sindhu announced her roaring return to the circuit with a blistering straight-games victory over World No. 9 Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan at the season's first Super 1000 event, the Malaysia Open 2026. The two-time Olympic medallist needed just 33 minutes to seal her place in the quarterfinals with a 21-8, 21-13 win in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
A Resurgent Sindhu Unleashes Power Game
After an off-season spent rehabilitating niggles in Atlanta, USA, where she even took in an NBA game, a fit and sharp-looking Sindhu, 30, dialled back the years. Ranked 18th currently, she was in scorching form, overwhelming the 19-year-old Japanese prodigy with a potent mix of power and speed. This marks Sindhu's first Super 1000 quarterfinal of the 2026 season.
"It's one day at a time. But yes, I'll be playing a couple of more years," Sindhu laughingly told the BWF after the match. She emphasized her preparedness for Miyazaki's long rallies. "Today I was prepared and ready for her long rallies and strokes. Overall it was important to be on court and be alert all the time and give my 100 percent," she added, expressing happiness at winning the extended exchanges.
Technical Mastery and Unmatched Dominance
The match was a one-way street after Sindhu trailed briefly at 4-6 in the first game. From there, it was a Sindhu bullet train. Miyazaki did not lead even once in the entire 63-point contest, a testament to the Indian's control. Sindhu's game was notably straightforward and ruthless: see the shuttle, hit it with authority.
Her cross-court diagonal drops were particularly devastating, struck with what can only be described as calm savagery, landing inches inside the lines. The work with her Indonesian coach, Irwansyah, was evident in her smoother movement and faster decision-making, a product of dedicated off-season fitness work.
Miyazaki, who had a breakthrough 2025, had no answer to Sindhu's physicality. A brief moment of parity at 8-9 in the second set was quickly snuffed out as Sindhu closed the match emphatically, becoming India's only singles representative in the Last 8.
Blockbuster Quarterfinal Awaits Against Yamaguchi
The victory sets up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash on Friday against old rival and third seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, a former world champion. Sindhu will fancy her chances given the form and confidence displayed against Miyazaki. The women's singles draw still features veterans like Yamaguchi, Ratchanok Intanon, and Chen Yufei, proving the old guard's resilience even after the retirements of Carolina Marin and Tai Tzu-ying.
Reflecting on her goals, Sindhu stressed fitness. "Firstly I'd focus on staying healthy and fit (in the coming year). That's when you give your 100 percent. You have to be mentally strong when you are injured and come back... But I have a good support system – husband and parents," she said.
Satwik and Chirag Saunter Into Quarters
In the men's doubles, the Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also cruised into the quarterfinals. The world No. 3 duo dispatched the Malaysian pair of Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap 21-18, 21-11 in under 40 minutes.
Satwik, in particular, toyed with the opponents, often drawing both Malaysians to one side before lobbing the shuttle to the open back corner. After a minor hiccup where the Malaysians led 18-17 in the first set, the Indians won four points in a row to seal it. The second set was a mere formality, with Chirag smashing down any loose lifts with decisiveness. They now continue their quest for a maiden Malaysia Open crown.
