BWF



 

Hundred years down the road, any discussion about the Japan Open would not be complete without the mention of Akane Yamaguchi’s name.

On Sunday, at the Yokohama Arena, the 27-year-old won the event for the fourth time, twice more than the legendary Kento Momota and Misaki Matsutomo – alongside Ayaka Takahashi in women’s doubles – Japan’s only Olympic gold medallist.

The world No.5’s success also stretches the host nation’s run of producing winners at every edition starting 2017.

“It’s amazing to win this tournament four times,” said Yamaguchi after easing past Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-11 21-10 in 43 minutes. “Of course I’m happy to be champion but playing in Japan and having fun until the last moment is the best thing I like about this tournament.”

Yamaguchi’s record at her home gig is near-perfect. She only lost one of the five finals she contested – to compatriot Nozomi Okuhara in 2015. Her first title two years before that, at the age of 16, also ended Japan’s 32-year wait for a local champion. She now accounts for 80 per cent of her nation’s triumphs in women’s singles.

Against Ongbamrungphan, Yamaguchi was in control from the outset and never looked under threat. It’s a recurring theme for the second seed – she’s not dropped a game in her previous three finals either.
Her Thai opponent paid her the ultimate tribute.

“She’s the greatest Japanese (women’s singles) player,” said the world No.14, who herself took out third seed Wang Zhi Yi and sixth seed Aya Ohori en route to final.

“And I played her in her own backyard. She was fast and strong on her backcourt, it was difficult to gain control of the match. But I leave with great memories.”

Yamaguchi now travels to compete at Korea Open 2024, where she is the top seed.