Nozomi Okuhara has become the second Japanese to be ranked No. 1 in women's singles, according to the Badminton World Federation after shifting Tai Tzu Ying.
The 24-year-old Okuhara born and raised in Omachi, Nagano - Japan — is an Olympic bronze medalist and 2017, became a world champion in Glasgow — follows in the footsteps of current No. 4 Akane Yamaguchi, who topped the rankings in April 2018.
"I'm surprised. I'm happy since it was one of my goals, but I'm not overjoyed at reaching No. 1 without winning a title (this year)," said Okuhara.
Okuhara started playing badminton since 2002. Eight years later, she joined the Japanese national team.
Other Japanese currently ranked No. 1 in the sport is men's singles player Kento Momota and women's doubles pair Wakana Nagahara and Mayu Matsumoto.