Japan Open 2025: PV Sindhu crashes out in first round; Satwik-Chirag, Lakshya Sen advance

Sindhu’s poor run of form continued in the Japan Open 2025.

Two-time Olympic medallist, PV Sindhu’s poor run of form extended to the Japan Open 2025 as she made an opening-round exit from the BWF Super 750 tournament on Wednesday. While Sindhu faltered, compatriots Satwik-Chirag and Lakshya Sen advanced to the pre-quarterfinals with straight-game wins.

Sindhu though wasn’t the only Indian exiting in the opening round. Unnati Hooda too suffered straight games defeat against Thailand’ Pornpawee Chochuwong to crash out as India made a mixed start to their campaign.

The tournament, part of the BWF World Tour Super 750, is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium from July 15 to 20, with USD 950,000 in prize money and elite players in action.

Satwik-Chirag cruise into pre-quarters

India’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty opened their campaign with a dominant win over South Korea’s Kang Min-hyuk and Ki Dong-ju. The former World No. 1 duo looked sharp throughout, clinching the match 21-18, 21-10 in just 42 minutes.

Their explosive smashes and front-court control left the Koreans struggling to respond. The victory sets them up for a tougher Round-of-16 clash against fifth seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of China.

Lakshya Sen overcomes late resistance

In men’s singles, Lakshya Sen defeated China’s Wang Zheng Xing 21-11, 21-18 to move into the next round. The Indian shuttler took early control with sharp shot placement and managed to close out the second game despite a spirited fightback from the Chinese player.

Sen will now face home favourite and world no. 7 Kodai Naraoka in the Round-of-16, a high-stakes match that will test his tactical depth and stamina.

ALSO READ: Full list of players who have withdrawn from Japan Open 2025

PV Sindhu’s slump continues

Former world champion PV Sindhu suffered yet another early exit as she went down 15-21, 14-21 to South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin. Sindhu, who has struggled for consistency in 2025, failed to impose her game and looked out of rhythm for most of the 38-minute contest.

This marks her fourth first-round loss in the last six events, she’s also made it past the second only once this season.

Unnati Hooda bows out in straight games

Teenage prospect Unnati Hooda was also eliminated in the opening round. Facing Thailand’s experienced Pornpawee Chochuwong, Hooda went down 8-21, 12-21, unable to match her opponent’s pace and shot variety.

The 17-year-old continues to gain exposure at the senior level and will look to bounce back stronger in upcoming tournaments.

ALSO READ: Japan Open 2025: All you need to know about prize money & points on offer

Panda sisters fall on opening day

India’s campaign began on July 15 with the women’s doubles pair of Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda in action. The Odisha-based sisters were handed a straight-game defeat by Japan’s Kokona Ishikawa and Maiko Kawazoe, who won 13-21, 7-21 in 32 minutes.

Despite moments of resistance, the Indian duo struggled to match the speed and net dominance of their Japanese opponents. Their early exit marked a quiet start to India’s campaign at the tournament.

India’s results at Japan Open 2025 (July 15–16)

With Satwik-Chirag and Lakshya Sen progressing, India remains in contention for deep runs in the tournament. The Japan Open continues through Sunday, July 20, with quarter-finals and medal rounds on the horizon.

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