In the women’s singles Yamaguchi Akane ensured that there will be a home finalist at the Japan Open, as she was eliminated from her semi-final against Supanida Katethong from Thailand.

The number two seed and former number one in the world rankings continued her perfect record against Katethong. Three weeks earlier, they had already faced each other in the round of 16 at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. At that time, Yamaguchi won in straight sets.

In Yokohama, Yamaguchi dominated the first game 21-14 and held her nerve in the rallies to put one foot in the final. However, Katethong did not make it easy for her opponent, taking the lead in the second game and looking like she could force a deciding set.

Nevertheless, Yamaguchi was able to regain her momentum towards the end, winning 22-20 and qualifying for the fifth Japan Open final of her career.

The Japanese star will face Busan Ongbamrungphanwho qualified for her first Super 750 final in Yokohama. The Thai badminton player advanced after her opponent from Chinese Taipei, the number one seed Tai Tzu Yinghad to retire due to a knee injury.

The men’s and women’s finals will take place on Sunday (25 August), with the action streamed live on the Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympic app (regional restrictions may apply).