Putri KW falls in Japan Open semifinals after 3-game loss
Putri said physical endurance remains her main work area after a 21-9, 16-21, 14-21 loss to Akane Yamaguchi.
Putri Kusuma Wardhani failed to reach the final of the Japan Open 2026 after losing to Akane Yamaguchi in the semifinals at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Tokyo on Saturday. The Indonesian women’s singles player took the first game, but eventually went down 21-9, 16-21, 14-21 in a three-game match. After the match, Putri said physical endurance remains the main area for evaluation because the contest drained her physically and mentally. She felt she had a chance to win, but lost momentum at the end of the second game when Akane changed the pace of play. In the deciding game, Putri said she repeatedly made mistakes on the left side of her defense. Even with the exit, she was pleased with her improved play, including her quarterfinal win over Wang Zhi Yi.