How PV Sindhu stunned world No 6 Tomoka Miyazaki at China Open Super 1000 for her biggest win of 2025 yet
Changzhou, China — Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu pulled off a major upset at the China Open Super 1000 by defeating world No. 6 Tomoka Miyazaki. The thrilling three-game match marked her biggest victory of the 2025 season and a powerful return to form.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, clinched the win with a score of 21-15, 8-21, 21-17. The match lasted just over an hour and saw Sindhu rediscover her rhythm against one of the most promising young players on the tour.
A Strong Start Sets the Tone
Sindhu began the first game with confidence and clarity. She controlled the pace of rallies and stayed calm under pressure. Her deep smashes, tight net play, and sharp movement pushed Miyazaki onto the back foot early.
A crucial seven-point run helped Sindhu establish dominance. As a result, she closed out the opening game 21-15, showcasing her signature mix of power and patience.
Miyazaki Fights Back
However, the second game saw a momentum shift. Miyazaki, known for her agility and attacking instincts, turned up the pace. She raced to an 11-7 lead at the mid-game interval and never looked back.
Sindhu, meanwhile, struggled to find answers to Miyazaki’s fast-paced counters. The Japanese teenager wrapped up the second game 21-8, forcing a decider and putting pressure back on Sindhu.
Sindhu Strikes in the Decider
Despite the second-game setback, Sindhu remained composed. She began the final game with renewed energy, quickly building a 5-1 lead. At the interval, she was ahead 11-2 and looked firmly in control.
Though Miyazaki mounted a brief comeback and narrowed the gap to 15-18, Sindhu didn’t flinch. She closed out the match 21-17, celebrating with a raised fist and a visible sense of relief.
First Top-10 Win of the Season
This win marked Sindhu’s first victory over a top-10 player in 2025. It broke a string of early tournament exits and came at a critical time in her season. Before this, she had faced tough defeats at the All England, Japan Open, and Indonesia Masters.
Moreover, the win showed her mental toughness and ability to adjust. She not only overcame a younger, faster opponent but also bounced back strongly after a lopsided second game.
Sindhu Reflects on Her Performance
Speaking after the match, Sindhu said the win was crucial for her morale:
“It was a much-needed win. Beating a top player like Miyazaki gives me belief. I stayed patient and avoided unnecessary errors.”
She also mentioned the importance of adapting mid-match:
“After the second game, I told myself to reset. I focused on playing point by point. That helped me stay calm.”
Who Is Tomoka Miyazaki?
At just 18 years old, Tomoka Miyazaki is considered one of the most exciting young talents in world badminton. She reached a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in June 2025 and was the runner-up at last year’s China Open.
Interestingly, Miyazaki had beaten Sindhu in their only previous encounter at the 2024 Swiss Open. That loss may have fueled Sindhu’s motivation in this match.
What’s Next?
Sindhu now faces fellow Indian Unnati Hooda in the Round of 16. Hooda, just 17, is a rising star who’s gaining international experience rapidly. This all-Indian clash is expected to draw attention from fans and media alike.
A deep run in the China Open could help Sindhu improve her rankings and qualify for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals. More importantly, it could reignite her confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.
A Timely Comeback
For PV Sindhu, this win was more than just a match result. It was a message. After months of inconsistent results, she showed the world that she’s still capable of competing—and winning—against the best.
Her blend of experience, grit, and calmness under pressure was the difference-maker. If she continues in this form, 2025 could still hold major moments for the Indian star.
