Japan Enjoy Singles Supremacy – Japan Open: Finals
Akane Yamaguchi celebrated her imminent ascension to world No.1 status with her second top-tier World Tour title in two weeks, recapturing the DAIHATSU YONEX Japan Open 2019 that she won six years ago.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Yamaguchi, soon to be confirmed No.1, had too many weapons for compatriot Nozomi Okuhara; the 21-13 21-15 result reversing the verdict of the 2015 final.
And with Kento Momota defending his men’s singles title, it was a day that showcased Japan’s singles supremacy. That would be a good omen for Japanese fans, for the Japan Open is the Test Event for Tokyo 2020.
Okuhara has had the better of Yamaguchi in career meetings, leading 11-7 – including two Japan Open victories. But Yamaguchi has been on a roll, and it was this version that Okuhara was up against today – a tad sharper and more forceful than she has had to contend with in recent times.