Bhubaneswar: In a stunning display of grit and skill, India’s two-time Asian champion Joshna Chinappa lifted the Japan Open trophy in Yokohama, defeating Egypt’s Haya Ali in a four-game final (11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8).
At 39, and entering the tournament unseeded, Chinappa added a remarkable 11th PSA Tour title to her distinguished career. Her path to the final included a commanding semifinal win over the fourth seed, Rana Ismail (11-7, 11-1, 11-5).
Ranked #117 in the world currently, Chinappa had recently made a comeback from a knee operation following the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she played a key role in India’s bronze-medal team. Earlier in the year, she also won the women’s doubles title at the Asian Championships alongside teenage prodigy Anahat Singh.
On the men’s side, Indian national champion Abhay Singh was ousted in the round of 16 at the Silicon Valley Open (a PSA Gold event) by France’s Victor Crouin, losing 4-11, 2-11, 1-11.
Chinappa’s victory in Yokohama is a powerful reminder of her enduring competitiveness — and underscores her resilience and longevity in the sport.
Discussion about this post