Akane Remains a Bogey Opponent, Putri KW's Tournament Run Halted at the 2026 Japan Open Semifinals

Putri Kusuma Wardani's run at the 2026 Japan Open has come to an end at the semi-final stage. The Indonesian women's singles badminton player failed to secure a spot in the title match after falling to home favorite Akane Yamaguchi in a three-game encounter at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

Putri actually managed to take the opening game. However, Akane fought back to turn the tide, winning with a final scoreline of 9-21, 21-16, 21-14, and booking her place in the final of this BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament.

Putri Dominates The Opening Game

The match began with tight, competitive play. Both players traded points evenly until the score stood level at 3-3.

After that point, Putri took full control of the match. The 24-year-old shuttler played with aggressive intensity, barely allowing Akane any room to establish her own game rhythm.

Putri reeled off a string of consecutive points, closing out the first game with a 21-9 win in just 15 minutes of play.

Taking the opening game briefly raised hopes that Indonesia would have a representative in the women's singles final.

Akane Fights Back To Force Decider

Entering the second game, Akane showed the quality that has established her as one of the world's top players.

The Japanese shuttler built an early 7-4 lead, but Putri responded well to pull the score back level at 13-13.

Unfortunately, Akane kept her composure better during the crucial closing points. Buoyed by the home crowd support, she closed out the second game 21-16.

This win for Akane forced the match into a deciding third game.

Momentum Shifts In The Deciding Game

Putri got the third game off to an impressive start, picking up three straight points right out the gate.

However, Akane once again demonstrated her champion mentality. She strung together a run of points to flip the lead to 4-3, and held her advantage going into the mid-game interval at 11-9.

After the interval break, Akane extended her lead to 12-9.

Despite fighting continuously to close the gap, Putri was unable to halt her opponent's momentum. Akane eventually closed out the match with a 21-14 win in the third game.

Losing Streak Against Akane Continues

With this result, Putri is still yet to break her poor head-to-head record against Akane Yamaguchi.

According to official BWF data, this semi-final defeat at the 2026 Japan Open marks Putri's eighth loss in eight career meetings against Akane.

Even though she fell short of reaching the final, this semi-final finish remains a positive milestone for Putri, following her first ever career victory over second seed Wang Zhi Yi of China in the quarter-final round.

Indonesia's remaining hopes at the tournament now lie with the men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, who are scheduled to face home duo Takuro Hoki / Yugo Kobayashi for a place in the final.