Badminton: Akane Yamaguchi cruises to 4th Japan Open crown

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) — Home favorite Akane Yamaguchi clinched her fourth Japan Open badminton title Sunday with a 21-11, 21-10 victory over Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the women’s singles final at Yokohama Arena.

The 27-year-old Yamaguchi was in control from the outset and never looked under threat as she cruised to the championship in straight games.

“I was able to play in a fun and relaxed manner and the results somehow flowed from there,” Yamaguchi said.

“Even if I say so myself, I think it’s amazing to have won this same tournament a fourth time.”

The two-time world champion, who fell short of the podium at the recent Paris Olympics, last captured the Japan Open crown in 2022.

She won the tournament for the first time in 2013 while still a freshman at high school in her native Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan.

Yamaguchi admitted contemplating retirement after dealing with difficulties including a run of injuries over the past year.

“There were times where it was hard to enjoy playing and times where things didn’t go well, but I’ve managed to move forward and make progress,” she said.

She said she was “not prepared enough” after the Paris Games but nevertheless rounded into form as the tournament progressed in Yokohama, culminating with a dominant performance in the final.

Unheralded French teenager Alex Lanier captured his first major trophy by defeating Taiwanese veteran Chou Tien-chen 21-17, 22-20 in the men’s final.