Japan Open: Yamaguchi Seals Legacy
Hundred years down the road, any discussion about the Japan Open would not be complete without the mention of Akane Yamaguchi’s name.
· PREM KUMAR
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.”