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In the first round of the Super 500 Korea Open women’s singles, Japan’s 18-year-old sensation Tomoka Miyazaki suffered a surprising first-round defeat, losing in three sets, 18-21, 21-10, 16-21, to Thailand’s Pornpicha Choeikeewong.
Tomoka Miyazaki, known for her skill and beauty, won gold at the World Junior Badminton Championships two years ago and is considered a future star of Japan’s women’s singles. Currently ranked 26th in the world, she claimed her first title of the season in mid-March at the Super 300 Orlé
Today, in the first round of the Korea Open, Tomoka Miyazaki faced Pornpicha Choeikeewong, ranked 38th in the world. Despite having a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Pornpicha, Miyazaki struggled in the first set, trailing 13-18 at one point. Although she fought back to tie the score at 18-18, she lost three consecutive points, allowing her opponent to take the first set
Miyazaki rallied in the second set, limiting Choeikeewong to just 10 points and forcing a decider. However, the final set saw a fierce battle, with the score tied at 15-15. Miyazaki then lost three consecutive points, briefly regained one, but ultimately lost the match after her
Tomoka Miyazaki’s journey ended in the Round of 32, marking her second consecutive first-round exit, following last week’s Japan Open.
After “clocking out” at the Paris Olympics, Zheng Siwei and Wang Chang’s self-made MV “Confession to Badminton” went viral on social media. Zheng Siwei’s activities outside of badminton have also garnered significant attention.
Netizens jokingly commented on his singing and badminton skills. Zheng Siwei laughed, acknowledging his badminton skills but saying his singing is just for fun. It is known that Zheng Siwei has a good relationship with Hong Kong singer Hacken Lee, and they often interact online. After he finished as a runner-up in the Tokyo Olympics, Hacken Lee even traveled to Hangzhou to comfort the “Zheng-Huang” duo. On August 29, Zheng Siwei visited Hong Kong with the Mainland Chinese Olympic delegation from the Paris Olympics.
Zheng Siwei is the first Paris Olympic champion to return to Wenzhou. He remarked that while Wenzhou athletes won two silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics, this time they took home three golds, two silvers, and one bronze, saying, “Wenzhou athletes are incredibly impressive!”
Discussing the future goals of the “Zheng-Huang” duo after achieving the Grand Slam, Zheng Siwei told reporters that his next major competition will be the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou at the end of this year. He also confirmed participation in next year’s National Games, saying, “That’s all I can reveal for now.” As for the Los Angeles Olympics, it remains uncertain.
Zheng Siwei also discussed his future career path, revealing plans to gradually reduce his participation in international competitions, with the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals being the only event he will compete in this year.
Japanese women’s doubles player Chiharu Shida’s charm is undeniable. When asked about his ideal mixed doubles partner, Thailand’s Olympic silver medalist and 2023 Men’s Singles World Champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn chose the 27-year-old Japanese athlete, emphasizing that she is “very cute.”
In a social media clip circulating online, the 23-year-old Kunlavut was asked who his ideal partner would be. He responded, “Chiharu Shida, because she’s very cute. Really, really, she’s very cute.”
Both Kunlavut and Chiharu Shida made it to the podium at the recently concluded Paris Olympics earlier this month.
Kunlavut advanced to the men’s singles final after defeating Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the semifinals but ultimately lost to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, securing the silver medal. Meanwhile, Chiharu Shida and her partner Nami Matsuyama claimed the bronze medal after defeating Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah.
Following the Korea Badminton Open this week, Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, will transition to independent players. The Malaysian national men’s doubles coach, Tan Bin Shen, can only offer them his best wishes.
Career-Defining Victory in Japan
The FeiTing duo claimed the most significant title of their careers on Sunday at the Japan Open. In an interview with the New Straits Times, Coach Tan Bin Shen expressed his belief that the FeiTing pair’s future holds great potential. He hoped to continue coaching them but respected their decision to pursue their careers independently.
Coach’s Mixed Emotions
“I can’t say I’m saddened by their departure from the national team. What I regret is that, after all their ups and downs, I can no longer play a role in their career as they continue to rise.”
Maturity and Determination
Tan Bin Shen, who led the national team at the Korea Open this week, added: “They’ve matured in many ways and know what they want for their future. I can only wish them the best and hope they keep striving for their dreams.”
Potential for a Comeback
Coach Tan has always had faith in the FeiTing duo, once stating that Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin could rise again. In February, when asked by the New Straits Times if the FeiTing pair had hit a plateau, Tan replied, “Whether they’ve stagnated, only they know.”
Future Prospects
“I’m not saying they can’t make further progress. They still have the potential to rise again. As coaches, we still believe they can return to their best form.”
Proving Their Worth
A few months later, the FeiTing pair demonstrated their potential by claiming silver at the Asian Championships and delivering strong performances in the Thomas Cup, helping the team reach the semifinals. They also reached the quarterfinals at the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open, and Indonesia Open. Now, with their Japan Open victory, they have solidified their place as top contenders.
Chou Tien-chen went to the hospital today after coughing up blood. After a thorough examination, it was confirmed that there was damage to his left lung and surrounding soft tissues, but no pneumothorax. He needs to rest for a week and avoid intense physical activity, but he is still expected to participate in the Taipei Open starting on September 3rd.
Reports indicate that during the warm-up for the semifinals at the Japan Open last week, Chou used a breathing resistance trainer. Due to a rushed schedule, his rapid breathing may have caused the injury. After experiencing pain in his left rib, physical therapist Gao Min-shan provided emergency treatment, which alleviated the condition enough for him to compete.
Chou Tien-chen stated, “Before the semifinals at the Japan Open against Kento Momota, I used the breathing resistance trainer because of the tight schedule. The fast breathing may have overextended my lungs, causing this injury. Every movement felt like an electric shock, which was very uncomfortable. I’m really thankful to have finished the final.”
At 34 years old, Chou Tien Chen has participated in 15 world tour events this year and won the Super 300 Thailand Masters in January, earning a reputation as a workhorse. This season, he has played 43 matches and accumulated 2,257 minutes on the court, both impressive statistics showcasing his extraordinary endurance.
The Paris Olympics have barely ended, and badminton has already entered a “youth storm” adjustment phase. Many seasoned players from the Olympics are taking a well-deserved break, while new stars are emerging like spring bamboo shoots, unstoppable!
In the Japan Open, most of the Olympic veterans from the Chinese team chose to stay home and recharge, sending only a few top players and young talents. Two pairs of “millennial babies” made it to the finals and clinched the titles. Especially the “Duck” pair—Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin—successfully achieved a “three consecutive championships” feat in this year’s tour, soaring up the world rankings. In tomorrow’s World Badminton Federation (BWF) rankings, the Chinese mixed doubles will occupy the top three spots.
Next, the “Holy Altar” pair—Tan Ning and Liu Shengshu—seems to have hit their stride this season, winning the silver medal in women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics. This time, as the second seeds in the Japan Open, they defeated several strong opponents and, after the Olympics, overcame the Korean pair Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee to win the title.
2. French Teenager Laniers: The “Super New Star” of the Dark Horse
Speaking of dark horses, French teenager Laniers, 19, who is roughly contemporaneous with China’s Hu Zhe’an, has become a “bomb disposal expert” on the court. He has taken down top players such as Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, Indonesia’s Ziko, Japan’s Nishimoto Kenta, China’s Shi Yuqi, and Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen, eventually winning the men’s singles title in a stunning upset. Laniers has also reached the finals of the Super 500 Canada Open and the Super 750 Japan Open, while Hu Zhe’an is still making his way in international events, without qualification for higher-level tournaments. Shi Yuqi may face Laniers again in the second round of the Korean Open this week, making for an exciting rematch.
3. Pair Splits and Recombination: New Teams Making Waves
After the Olympics, many pairs have opted for a split and recombination, and the results have been strikingly immediate! The “Fangchen” pair, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, both sought new partners after their Olympic victory. Jia Yifan’s new partnership with Li Wenmei made an impressive debut by reaching the semifinals, though they ultimately fell short against the “Holy Stage” pair, their first collaboration reaching the top four is commendable.
Similarly, from Chinese Taipei, Li Yang retired after their Olympic win, and Wang Chi-lin teamed up with 21-year-old Chiu Hsiang-tung. This new duo defeated Indonesia’s Boe/Tan and is showing strong performance. Indonesian teams like Kurniawan/Maulana and Fikri/Marthin have also made it to the semifinals. It seems the trend of splitting and recombining pairs has swept through the badminton world. However, whether these new combinations can maintain or improve their performance remains to be seen.
Following a successful Paris Olympics where Denmark secured a gold medal in badminton thanks to Viktor Axelsen, the Danish team faces significant changes. Denmark’s top female singles player, Mia, has announced her departure from the national team to relocate to France and train with her boyfriend, France’s top male player, Christo Popov.
Initially, Mia did not qualify for the Paris Olympics, but the Danish Badminton Association chose her over higher-ranked Line Kjaersfeldt due to her superior skill. Unfortunately, Mia was eliminated in the group stage. After the Olympics, Mia revealed her plans to leave the Danish national team and move to France to train alongside Boppar.
Challenges for Denmark’s Mixed Doubles
Denmark’s mixed doubles pair, the “golden couple” Christophersen and Boel, are facing unprecedented challenges. Christoffersen was forced to withdraw from the Olympics and received a 12-month suspension due to repeated violations of doping regulations, which has severely impacted their partnership.
As a result, Boel is now partnering with Dutch veteran Robin Tabeling. Tabeling, who was previously ranked in the world’s top 20 and won the mixed doubles title at the 2023 European Games, had considered retiring after a disappointing performance at the Olympics. Boel and Tabeling plan to compete in the 2024 Finnish Open and Danish Open to maintain their rankings until Christoffersen’s return.
Impact on Denmark’s National Team
Mia’s departure, combined with Christoffersen’s unexpected ban and Axelsen and Antonsen’s long-term training commitments in Dubai, has left the Danish badminton team in a fragmented state. Although the team appears unified on the surface, the leading players are pursuing their individual goals, which has hindered the development of younger talents.
With top players like Axelsen and Antonsen focused on their personal training, and key figures like Mia and Christoffersen pursuing separate paths, Denmark’s young players face a challenging environment for growth. The lack of intense competition and guidance from top players may jeopardize the future of Danish badminton, making it difficult for the next generation to carry forward the legacy of Danish excellence in the sport.
In the women’s singles semifinal at the Paris Olympics in August, Marin suffered a knee injury after a fall during her match against China’s He Bingjiao. Overcome with emotion, she was seen crying on the court and was ultimately forced to retire from the match.
At 31 years old, Marin is a three-time World Championships gold medalist and the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist, currently ranked as the top player in women’s singles.
Three years ago, Marin was a favorite to win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but was sidelined by major injuries. In early 2019, she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee, and in May 2021, she partially tore the anterior cruciate ligament and menisci in her left knee, which led to her withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics.
At the Paris Olympics, Marin was in outstanding form and had the opportunity to reach the finals and win her second Olympic gold medal. However, her injury cut her campaign short.
In her first interview after the Olympics, Marin discussed her injury and her future prospects. “This is the greatest blow of my entire career; I didn’t expect this at all,” said Marin, who was wearing a brace on her right leg. Her initial goal was to return to Spain with the women’s singles gold medal, but fate had other plans. “I didn’t achieve that, but without a doubt, I have gained another kind of gold medal,” referring to the immense support and love from fans worldwide. Spanish Badminton Federation President Alsoumedi even suggested on social media that the International Olympic Committee should award Marin a bronze medal, saying, “She truly deserves it.”
In the interview, Marin expressed deep gratitude towards He Bingjiao, who wore the Spanish badge on the podium during the medal ceremony. He Bingjiao explained her gesture: “…because my opponent (Marin) was injured in the semifinal, I felt heartbroken for her… She is a very excellent athlete, and I hope Marin sees this and wishes her a speedy recovery.”
Marin experienced a similar injury during the 2016 Rio Olympics but struggled to regain peak form after surgery, ultimately leading to a quiet retirement. After undergoing another surgery, the challenges of recovery are intensified due to her previous knee injuries, making retirement a real possibility. She reflected, “I don’t know if I will play again or if I can pick up a badminton racket.”
Although the prospects of a comeback seem bleak, Marin has not given up on returning to the court. She hopes to maintain her privacy during the recovery process and expresses her gratitude to fans around the world for their support.
Following her gold medal win in women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, world No. 1 An Se-young exposed the unfair practices of the Korean Badminton Association and the mistreatment she experienced as a national team member, sparking a major controversy. According to South Korean media reports, An Se-young will not attend the second meeting of the Truth Investigation Committee. However, she had a private meeting with Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Jang Mi-ran yesterday.
The Korean Badminton Association held the first phase of the Truth Investigation Committee meeting on the 16th, where discussions focused on internal issues such as injury management, training methods, and traditional practices within the national team. The meeting lasted for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The committee stated that a second meeting would be arranged for a private discussion with An Se-young.
The committee is considering scheduling the second meeting either today or on the 22nd, but An Se-young is unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Coordination of the date and time is ongoing. It has been confirmed that An Se-young met privately with Vice Minister Jang Mi-ran on the 19th.
At the Super 750 Japan Open, Paris Olympic gold medalists Wang Chi-Lin and his 21-year-old partner Chiu Hsiang-chieh, known as the “Lin-Chiang Pair,” defeated Japan’s top men’s doubles duo, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, with scores of 21-16, 21-13. Following the match, Hoki and Kobayashi appeared quite disheartened.
Ranked 8th in the world, Hoki and Kobayashi, who won gold at the 2021 World Championships and once held the world number one spot, had set their sights on winning a medal at the Paris Olympics this year. However, their campaign ended prematurely as they were eliminated in the group stage, losing their opening match to the “Lin-Yang Pair,” Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin.
Now facing Wang Chi-Lin again at the Japan Open, Hoki and Kobayashi still found themselves unable to overcome the formidable duo, with Hoki admitting after the match, “One of our opponents is an Olympic gold medalist. We knew how to counter them, but we were still overpowered by their strength.”
After their early exit from the Japan Open, Hoki expressed their future ambitions, stating, “We aim to once again target the world number one spot.” Kobayashi added, “As long as we can participate in high-level events, we will continue to strive.”
After stepping down from the Chinese national badminton team, Liu Yuchen has shared his reflections.
“Hello everyone, I am Liu Yuchen. Although I am reluctant, the day has finally come. Since joining the national team in 2012, badminton has accompanied me through my youth. As someone who was often underestimated, I always wanted to prove myself with every victory: I can do it! When I won silver in Tokyo, I did consider retiring alongside my partner, but I couldn’t accept it. I believe I still have more to offer on the court. Over the past three years, the Tzu-Yuan pair has created unforgettable moments with our perseverance, and I am very content with that.”
“Although I didn’t achieve a Grand Slam in men’s doubles, I am grateful for the effort and persistence along the way. I want to thank those who doubted me, for it was your skepticism that pushed me to persist and prove myself with results! As the Paris Olympics end, my dream truly concludes. As my coach Bao said: I have no more time. My body is completely overloaded, and I no longer want to take painkillers to perform well in matches or anti-inflammatory drugs to train the next day. I don’t want to keep pushing myself to the limit only to find my performance lacking on the court!”
“I am honored to have been a part of the Chinese badminton team, where I have earned countless honors. The legacy and fighting spirit of my senior teammates have inspired us, and now it’s up to the younger generation. Keep going! You are the best, and the world is yours! There is no longer a place for me in this new world. I’m stepping off the ship now, returning to life and welcoming a new beginning. Of course, I hope everyone will remember Liu Yuchen, the badminton player. Thank you for the years of tolerance and understanding, for my teammates who fought alongside me, and for our behind-the-scenes heroes—our fitness coaches, team doctors, and staff. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have been able to focus on our training! Thank you all for your continuous support. I will always remember it! Finally, I wish the national badminton team even greater success and to reach new heights!”
As the excitement of the Paris Olympics lingers, the global badminton community’s attention swiftly shifts to the upcoming 2024 Japan Open, set to begin on August 20. As the first high-level BWF event (Super 750) following the Olympics, it marks the start of a new Olympic cycle. Notably, pairs like Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan, Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin, and Zheng Yu/Zhang Shuxian are entering the tournament with new partners, while Tai Tzu-ying has chosen to continue competing, ready to take on the challenges of the new Olympic cycle.
1. Tai Tzu-ying Continues to Compete! Can Shi Yuqi Rebound from His Low Point?
Do you remember Tai Tzu-ying, who had vowed to retire before both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics? Her “last dance” has extended beyond the Paris Olympics. Although she suffered an unexpected early exit in the group stage at the Olympics after losing to Ratchanok Intanon, Tai Tzu-ying may well push through another Olympic cycle in pursuit of a major championship title. At the Japan Open, where she is seeded first, she is likely to face her old rival, Ratchanok Intanon, in the second round. Should she avenge her previous defeat, Tai Tzu-ying may have a clear path to the final, especially with the absence of top players like An Se-young, Chen Yufei, and Carolina Marin.
2.Shi Yuqi: Can He Rebound from Recent Challenges?
Shi Yuqi, on the other hand, is facing a major test in his career after a disappointing performance at the Olympics, which has somewhat dimmed his star power among fans. As the top seed, Shi Yuqi will face Taipei’s Su Li-yang in the first round, with no significant challenges expected in the first two rounds. However, in the quarterfinals, he might meet players like Li Shifeng or Jonatan Christie. If he reaches the semifinals, a rematch with Kunlavut Vitidsarn could be on the cards. Whether Shi Yuqi can regain his momentum and lift the gloom remains a point of great anticipation among fans.
3. Doubles Teams Shake-Up: New Partnerships and Fresh Excitement
The Japan Open has seen several doubles teams announcing their split and reformation, adding more unpredictability and excitement to the competition. Indonesia’s young pairs, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, have been restructured, potentially creating a new top men’s doubles duo. In Chinese Taipei, Lee Yang’s exit sees Wang Chi-Lin partnering with young talent Chiu Hsiang-chieh. Meanwhile, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino, who have won bronze at two consecutive Olympics but struggled to break through in major tournaments, have decided to part ways. The Japan Open will mark their final competition together—can they end their partnership on a high note? Watanabe will seek a new mixed doubles partner, while Higashino plans to focus on women’s doubles. Additionally, the once-regular pairing of Seo Seung-jae/Chae Yoo-jung and Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai is now rarely seen, with both pairs set to go their separate ways after this season.
4.China’s Women’s Doubles: New Pairings and Future Prospects
Changes are also underway in the Chinese national team. Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning, who won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, have shown potential to become China’s top pair, with discussions around building a strong second pair and the overall team structure now on the agenda. Although the Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan duo remains formidable, age is catching up with them, and the future of China’s women’s doubles requires the infusion of new talent. In this tournament, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have split up, with Chen Qingchen partnering with Zheng Yu, and Jia Yifan teaming up with Li Wenmei. This decision has left some fans puzzled, as Zheng Yu is nearing retirement at 28, and Li Wenmei is also not very young. Such pairings could potentially weaken the overall strength of both teams; if the goal is to develop new talent, it might be more effective to pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan with younger players. Zhang Shuxian, who has had multiple partners, will compete with Kong Hee-yong in this tournament.
5.Emerging Talent: Young Pairs to Watch
Additionally, young pairs like Li Yijing/Luo Xuemin and Wang Tingge/Wang Yiduo are also emerging, highlighting the urgent need for the Chinese women’s doubles team to reorganize and establish several strong, consistent pairs in the new Olympic cycle.
