Tokyo Olympics: PV Sindhu defeats Japan's Yamaguchi, races into semifinal

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu raced into the semi-finals of the women's singles event after defeating Japan's number four seed Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics. Sindhu defeated Yamaguchi 21-13, 22-20.

Reigning world champion PV Sindhu kept alive India's hopes of a first-ever Olympic gold in badminton by reaching the semifinals of the women's singles with a straight-game win over world No.5 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi. Credit: Reuters Photo

Sindhu defended brilliantly and rode on her attacking all-round game to outclass the fourth seeded Yamaguchi 21-13 22-20 in a 56-minute quarterfinal clash. Credit: Reuters Photo

PV Sindhu in action during the match against Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. Credit: Reuters Photo

PV Sindhu after registering her win against Akane Yamaguchi. Credit: AFP Photo

The opening game saw Sindhu quickly erase a 2-4 deficit to level the scores at 6-6. Yamaguchi committed few unforced errors to allow the Indian athlete to move ahead and enter the interval at 11-7 with a cross court smash. Credit: PTI Photo

Sindhu used her fore court well and took charge of the net against Yamaguchi. Credit: PTI Photo

PV Sindhu plays a shot against Akane Yamaguchi during their women's singles badminton quarterfinal match. Credit: PTI Photo

Sindhu dictated the pace and seemed in total control, starting the second game with two superb smashes for a 2-0 early lead. Credit: AFP Photo

Sindhu will next face second seed Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying in her next match. Credit: AP Photo