Malaysia Open: Happy Hitting Shuttles Again
Akane Yamaguchi is glad the longest layoff of her career seems to be behind her after coming through her first match in four months in straight games.
· PREM KUMAR
The defending champion kicked off her 2024 campaign with a first round victory at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024, beating Supanida Katethong 21-15 22-20 in 43 minutes.
The Hong Kong Open, which the world No.3 won in September, was the last HSBC BWF World Tour tournament Yamaguchi was seen at. She was injured a few weeks later during the women’s team quarterfinal match against Tai Tzu Ying at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
“I enjoyed being out there hitting shuttles again. I’m happy I could play in front of an audience after a while,” said the 26-year-old.