Sindhu, the Olympic silver medallist at Rio 2016, produced an impressive display to record a 24-22, 21-15 victory in the Group A contest at the Tianhe Gymnasium.

The Indian player had trailed 18-13 in the first game before rallying to take the opener, which proved crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

She then held off the advances of Yamaguchi in the second game to partially avenge the defeat she suffered to the World Championships bronze medallist in the title decider at the corresponding event in 2017.

"It’s important to start well in the group stage," said Sindhu. 

"I was nervous towards the end of the first game but, once I won that game, I played better."

In the other match in Group A, top seed and pre-tournament favourite, Chinese Taipei;s Tai Tzu Ying, dispatched American Beiwen Zhang 21-15, 21-17.

Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon - competing at the venue where she won the world title at the age of 18 in 2013 - also claimed a scalp today as she overcame world number three Chen Yufei of China 21-18, 20-22, 21-17 in Group B.

Nozumi Okuhara of Japan joined Intanon in emerging victorious from her opening encounter as she defeated Canada's Michelle Li, Commonwealth Games gold medallist in Glasgow four years ago, 21-18, 23-21 in the same group. 

In the men's singles draw, reigning world champion and second seed Kento Momota of Japan clinched a comfortable 21-18, 21-6 victory against India's Sameer Verma in Group A.

A total prize pot of $1.5 million (£1.2 million/€1.3 million) is up for grabs, with the top eight players in the world across each category going head-to-head for the final major title of the year.

The tournament is due to continue tomorrow and concludes with the finals on Sunday (December 16).