Hong Kong Open: PV Sindhu through to semis with easy win over Akane Yamaguchi

Ace shuttler PV Sindhu, the only Indian in the Hong Open Super Series, defeated Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-12, 21-19 in the quarter-final of the women’s singles event in Kowloon on Friday.

Second-seeded Sindhu is the flag bearer of Indian challenge in the tournament, after a surprise crash out of Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy in second-round of the event on Thursday.

The Olympic silver medallist had earlier received a 14-21, 9-21 defeat from the Japanese in the French Open last month.

Sindhu marked her spot in the quarter-finals by coming strong over Aya Ohori of Japan and defeating the Asian junior champion 21-14, 21-17.

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal had bowed out of the tournament after losing 18-21, 21-19, 21-10 to China’s Chen Yufei.

In men’s singles, shuttler HS Prannoy had lost 11-21, 21-10, 21-15 to Kazumasa Sakai of Japan in the second round to exit from the event.

(Inputs from ANI)