Paris, Oct 2026 : Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the women’s singles final of the BWF French Open 2026 after defeating Japan’s Hina Akechi in a thrilling three-game semifinal at the Arena Grand Paris on Saturday.
Sindhu overcame a second-game setback to register a hard-fought 21-10, 20-22, 21-16 victory in a contest lasting 73 minutes. The Indian badminton star will now face South Korea’s world No. 1 An Se Young in Sunday’s summit clash, with the French Open title at stake.
The victory marks Sindhu’s second BWF World Tour Super 750 final appearance of the season, following her title-winning campaign at the Japan Open in July.
Sindhu began the semifinal confidently, dominating the opening game 21-10 with her attacking strokes and control of the rallies. However, Akechi raised her level in the second game, keeping the Indian under pressure and maintaining the advantage through much of the contest.
Sindhu briefly regained the lead at 16-all and moved two points ahead, but the Japanese shuttler fought back to level the score at 20-20 before taking the game 22-20. The contest consequently went into a deciding third game.
The decider proved equally competitive, with both players exchanging points in a closely fought battle. Sindhu looked in control for much of the game, but Akechi mounted a comeback to level the score at 14-14 and subsequently move ahead 16-15.
The Indian responded emphatically when it mattered most. Displaying composure and precision, Sindhu won six consecutive points to close out the game 21-16 and book her place in the French Open final.
Her performance under pressure demonstrated her ability to recover from setbacks and finish strongly against a determined opponent.
In the other women’s singles semifinal, An Se Young defeated Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara 21-12, 21-19 in just 45 minutes. The reigning world champion will now meet Sindhu in what promises to be a challenging final.
Sunday’s encounter will be the 11th meeting between Sindhu and An Se Young on the international circuit and their third clash this year. Sindhu will be looking to secure her first victory over the South Korean, who has been in outstanding form.
Speaking ahead of the final, Sindhu acknowledged the challenge posed by the world No. 1 but expressed her determination to compete fiercely.
“I have to give her a good fight, a tough fight. Every point matters. I know we've played a lot of times and she's been doing really well,” Sindhu said.
“She’s been at her top form. But I think tomorrow is a different day. Every day is a new day. I just have to go out there and give my best. Rest decides that particular day. So yeah, I'm ready to give a fight.”
With a place in the final secured, Sindhu will aim to add another prestigious title to her badminton career. The Indian star’s ability to maintain focus during crucial moments could prove important as she prepares to take on one of the strongest players in women’s badminton.
