Badminton is a funny game.

A relentless and unforgiving world tour. The pressure valve extreme. Finding the exact science to unlocking that freedom, a nuance that escapes most.

Yet, all of a sudden, one single life event, a change of mindset, or a new hope, can put you back on track. This can be almost as unexpected as the events that took you off course in the first place.

Just ask Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie. Two Olympic cycles where dreams were not fulfilled – bitter disappointment, doubts and a slide in rankings.

Many would have given up, without the belief nor fortitude to search for answers. But somehow, some way, with the help of each other, and as Lai says, perhaps some divine intervention, the Malaysian mixed doubles pair have forged a path of resurgence not many saw coming.

Since accepting their Paris 2024 Olympics fate, the recently wedded couple has won the YONEX Swiss Open 2024 and the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2024, and today, with one of the most important wins of their careers at the VICTOR China Open 2024, progressed through to their first Super 1000 final on the HSBC BWF World Tour.

It was clearly emotional, and highly satisfying, for their words spoke truer than most.

“I am Christian, and there is one phrase that I always keep in mind. When one door closes another door opens. And I think we’re seeing that, we have never given up and that has kept us going until today,” said Lai.

“Yes, we are playing free. There is less pressure. We are enjoying it more than ever,” added Goh.

Their new-found lease on tour life has seen them move into the top three of the HSBC Race to Finals rankings, and with today’s result, are now well poised for further riches this season. They were also quick to assure media that they had no intention of stopping anytime soon.

“It’s surreal. It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before. Now three finals in a year. It’s an unbelievable achievement for us. And I want to thank my partner for helping us keep it together today,” said Lai.

“It’s been one of my dreams to be in a Super 1000 final. I’m almost in tears. We’ve been playing together for six, seven years now, and I’ve always told him [Goh] I’ve wanted this, to make a big final one day.

“Every match we play is one less match in the future, so we just want to appreciate every chance we get on court now, so long as we come out safely without injuries or illness.

“But I think you guys will be seeing us for quite some time still.”

For Goh, it’s quite simple. “It’s all down to mindset.”

“We played well in the pressure points today. We were more comfortable, brave and stable,” he said of the 21-18 21-18 result.

“This is very important for us. Because when we lose our mindset we lose our focus. So that’s been the main key. A stable mindset.”

They will face world No.3 pair Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping in Sunday’s final.

→Results

What a difference three days makes.

On Sunday, Lei Lan Xi got trounced in the LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024 men’s singles final by Viktor Axelsen 21-9 21-12. [Read More]

Typhoon Bebinca then ripped through the region causing chaos to flights, forcing Lei and Axelsen to both arrive late to Changzhou. The Olympic champ, in fact, only got in around 8pm last night.

Today then was naturally a much different proposition in their first-round clash at the VICTOR China Open 2024.

An extreme drift from front to back and limited preparation and court acclimatisation for each meant this was a much more intriguing contest.

Lei, whom himself acknowledged he “played much faster today” than compared to Sunday’s final, took the first game 21-19.

In typical Axelsen fashion, the big Dane dug deep despite his unusual sluggishness to take it to a third.

Both players raised the intensity in decider to put on a great show for the Changzhou faithful with Lei triumphing 21-16 to the rapturous applause of fans. Watch the highlights here.

“I think he played a fantastic match. He probably should have won in two games,” Axelsen said post-match.

“We had a few challenges getting here. It would have been great for an evening match for both of us. It was interesting that we had an afternoon match. But no excuses, Lei was the better player and he deserves all the credit.”

On the secret to his form reversal against Axelsen, Lei said: “Maybe it’s more on a psychological level. I dared to go and fight today without any pressure and break through.

“Because I lost to him last week, I made some adjustments and just went for every point. Fight, fight and saving every shot.”

OTHER RESULTS

Dane Julie Dawall Jakobsen fought off late nerves to record the biggest win of her career with a stunning upset of still-injured Tai Tzu Ying 21-19 7-21 21-14.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’m really happy. I’ve played some matches against the best players before but could never really close it out. So, I’m really relieved I could do it today,” she said.

“Even though she isn’t feeling so good physically at the moment she still has many shots to play, so I knew it would be difficult but I’m just happy I stayed in the third game. I was really nervous at the end and I knew I had to place my shots well otherwise she’s just too good.

“It’s a proud moment and this is one of the best victories I’ve had in a long time.”

In another head-turner, Malvika Bansod of India defeated Paris 2024 bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 26-24 21-19 for her biggest victory at a Super 1000 tournament.

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of Play (Round of 16)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I’ve been practising together with Ng Ka Long [Angus] these previous two week. We’ve had some good battles in training and most of the time he came out on top. So, I’m happy I could turn that around today. I know he is a tricky opponent, and without disrespecting him, I think he will agree with me that he didn’t have his best day today.” – Anders Antonsen

“I have told his story 500 times and it must be told 500 more times. It’s the most inspiring story I have ever heard,” said former Liverpool Football Club Manager Jurgen Klopp as he spoke to media after watching his friend SL3 player Wojtek Czyz compete on Day 1 of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“It’s just not normal, especially his sailing story and he didn’t even know how to sail,” said Klopp, referring to Czyz’ five-year sailing trip around the world several years ago. “His story is so inspiring, so special and the world needs to hear it.”

Czyz struck up a friendship with the German manager more than 20 years ago with Klopp heralding Czyz’s ‘crazy story’ to media post-match. The two revived their friendship playing frisbee on a beach before Klopp took over the high-profile role at Liverpool FC and Czyz went sailing around the world with his wife donating prostheses to those who couldn’t afford it.

“I said to Jurgen back then on the beach, ‘Hey, what are you doing here?’. And now all those years later, here we are,” said Czyz.

Czyz was a 21-year-old footballer with SC Fortuna Koln when during a match the opposing team’s goalkeeper crashed into him causing multiple fractures and his leg to be amputated.

Not to be stopped, Czyz then went on to have a stellar athletics career, winning gold medals in 100m, 200m and long jump at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympics, as well as multiple world titles.

After more than a decade of professional athletics, he retired in 2013 and went sailing around the world, ending up in New Zealand, where he and his wife relocated permanently, started a family, and now run a manuka honey farm. Incredibly, he only took up Para badminton three years ago.

Speaking from the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, Klopp said of Czyz’s performance: “I enjoyed watching the match. Well, the seven points that he [Wojtek] won, ha ha ha,” he said jokingly, acknowledging the 21-5 21-2 result against Great Britain’s No.1 seed, Daniel Bethell.

“I sat next to his incredible wife, Elena, and we both had tears in our eyes. Sport can be about results and winning, but there’s much more behind his story. He’s 44-years-old. I can’t get my head around it.

“Yes, he played the best in the world today, but I enjoyed every second of it. We celebrated each point and we kept going. It was pure joy. I couldn’t be prouder of Wojtek and to be here.”

Czyz said of the experience: “Maybe it wasn’t the best match to have Jurgen watch me, when you’re playing against the best in the world. I think you’re looking at the gold medallist right there.

“But we’re here to advocate the sport for the future. If we can do something and that gives the next generation access to disabled sport and better support, then that’s great.

“With Jurgen’s presence, I think it’s a great statement that we need for Para badminton and that makes me very proud of him, and I’m really thankful for that.”

For the ex-Liverpool man, being in Paris for the Paralympics and supporting Wojtek is part of his quest to help increase the exposure of Para sports.

“I went to the Opening Ceremony and it was spectacular, like a Taylor Swift concert. I saw China and Brazil with these huge delegations of athletes and I was blown away. I didn’t expect that.

“The greatest stories are in Para sports. I am always trying to watch as many Para events as possible and it’s made easier these days with streaming. The whole thing has been wonderful and I’m just glad to support my friend,” said a smiling Klopp.

世界羽毛球联合会（BWF）宣布2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛将不继续在中国广州举办。

赛事将迁往泰国曼谷Nimibutr体育馆举办，由于场馆档期和比赛地变更，比赛日期为12月7日至11日，比广州原计划日期提前一周。

世界羽联经与中国羽毛球协会（CBA）协商后同意，鉴于目前疫情形势带来的各种挑战，易地举办2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛。

世界羽联感谢中国羽毛球协会、广州市政府和广州市体育局所作的出色工作。

世界羽联还要感谢泰国羽毛球协会在这么短的时间内为2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛提供替代举办地点。

2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛的参赛运动员名单将在11月22日澳大利亚公开赛结束后确认。

世界羽联确认，2022年汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛将于12月14日至18日在广州举办。这是继2019年之后，中国大陆首次举办国际羽毛球巡回赛。

本赛季各单项最顶尖的八位/组球员将在广州天河体育馆标志性的红色地胶上争夺赛季末的最高荣誉，以及羽毛球史上最高的奖金池——150万美元。

世界羽联秘书长托马斯·伦德表示，国际羽毛球巡回赛再次回到中国对这项运动来说是积极的一步。

伦德说：“汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛是我们一年中最重要的赛事之一，我们很高兴能与中国羽协、广州市政府和我们的主要合作伙伴汇丰银行合作，将总决赛带回广州。”

“我们也感谢中国政府向世界顶级羽毛球运动员发出邀请，我们仍然有信心，我们的东道主将以最高标准为运动员提供安全和舒适的总决赛。”

“广州已经在2018年和2019年举办了两届精彩的汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛，我们期待着为中国的球迷们再次举办一场羽球盛会。”

赛季缩短

即将在10月和11月举行的巡回赛是球员们争夺总决赛积分的最后机会，伦德也确认了2022中国常州公开赛(超级1000)和2022中国福州公开赛(超级750)已被取消。

伦德表示：“遗憾的是，原本在常州和福州举办两站公开赛的计划将无法推进。对于羽毛球界来说，这是至关重要的一年，我们非常自豪能够举办汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛的绝大部分比赛。现在的焦点转向了未来几周将举办的汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛和赛季末的总决赛，在未来几周球员们将为了更多的积分而奋战。”

2022年道达尔能源世界羽联羽毛球世锦赛五个单项决赛选手全部产生。中国队在女单、女双和混双项目中各获一个决赛席位，分别是：陈雨菲、陈清晨/贾一凡和郑思维/黄雅琼。其中陈雨菲击败戴资颖，中国队女单时隔八年重返世锦赛决赛。

中国男单选手赵俊鹏以20-22、6-21不敌泰国选手昆拉武特，无缘决赛，获得其职业生涯第一块世锦赛铜牌。昆拉武特成为了世界羽联世锦赛男单决赛中第一位泰国选手，将在决赛中面对安赛龙。

昆拉武特赛后采访时说道：“我很高兴，这是我第二次参加世锦赛。在第一局比赛中我确实犯了一些错误，但在第二局比赛中我可以很好地控制球。我的注意力集中在控制上，因为球场有风。我期待着在决赛中与安赛龙交手。我想向他学习，他是如何在每场比赛中都打得那么好。我没有压力，因为他是最受欢迎的。”

另一场男单半决赛，安赛龙以2-0的战绩击败了周天成，在第二局14比16落后的情况下，安赛龙积极调整心态，并在接下来的8分中拿下了7分，终结了比赛的悬念。

“我很高兴我在第二局比赛中取得了进步。对手给了我很大的困难，但在精神上，我成功地加快了步伐，这意味着我可以赢得比赛。我告诉自己，我必须专注于每一分，认真防守。我做到了，并且赢得了一些关键的分数。”关于决赛，安赛龙说：“我对自己现在的状态非常满意，我很享受。我不会考虑谁是弱者，谁不是。我期待着明天一场精彩的比赛。这将是艰难的。”

女单决赛将由奥运会冠军陈雨菲对阵卫冕冠军山口茜。半决赛中，陈雨菲以15-21丢掉首局后，以21-14、21-18连扳两局，成为李雪芮在2014年世锦赛获得亚军以后，首位打入女单决赛的中国队选手。山口茜在另外一场比赛中快速战胜了韩国选手安洗莹，晋级决赛。

陈雨菲在赛后采访时表示：“因为这次比赛球比较慢，在场上对抗的拍数会很多，自己在比赛中一直没有放弃，通过多拍相持去逼迫对手失误。”谈到决赛，陈雨菲坦言“全力以赴展示最好的自己，不留遗憾。”

女双比赛中，头号种子陈清晨/贾一凡迎战日本组合松本麻佑/永原和可那，陈清晨/贾一凡以21-13、21-14击败曾同为两届世锦赛冠军的松本麻佑/永原和可那，将与韩国组合金昭映/孔熙容争夺冠军，后者在半决赛中以2-1险胜泰国组合菩提塔/沙西丽。

混双半决赛，头号种子郑思维/黄雅琼经过三局苦战，以21-16、12-21、21-10战胜了队友王懿律/黄东萍，第三次闯入决赛。他们决赛的对手是日本组合渡边勇大/东野有纱。

中国羽毛球双打传奇赵芸蕾入选2022年世界羽毛球联合会（BWF）名人堂，一同入选的还有与其同时代征战羽坛的印尼双打名将莉莉亚娜·纳西尔。

赵芸蕾是她那个时代最全能的双打运动员。 在很长一段时间内，她在混双和女双两个项目中的统治地位无人能及。退役后， 她成为了史上最优秀的羽毛球运动员之一——细数她职业生涯中所获得的冠军头衔，包括两枚奥运会金牌和五枚世锦赛金牌。

世界羽毛球联合会主席保罗·埃里克·霍耶对赵芸蕾入选BWF名人堂表示祝贺。

他说，“入选世界羽联名人堂是对羽毛球运动员最大的致敬。名人堂旨在表彰精英中的精英，赵芸蕾当之无愧地占有一席之地。赢得奥运会或世锦赛金牌是大多数运动员的梦想，而赵芸蕾取得了这两项大赛的双冠王，这是一项了不起的成就。”

Click Here for the BWF Hall of Fame Honour Roll

赵芸蕾将于2022年6月24日周五下午两点举办的线上典礼和媒体活动中正式被官方授誉。

世界羽毛球联合会(以下简称：BWF)的2024年巴黎奥运会参赛资格规则已经得到国际奥委会(以下简称：IOC)的批准。巴黎奥运会积分周期将于2023年5月1日开始持续到2024年4月28日，以2024年4月30日的奥运积分排名名单来确定。

羽毛球参赛总名额为172个(男86个，女86个)，除常规名额(166个)外，还包括2个主办国名额和4个额外名额。每个国家或地区协会派出的男女运动员的名额都不得超过8个。

单打

在每个单打项目中，国家或地区协会至少需要两位球员排在奥运积分前16位，才能获得两个满额参赛名额。共有35个名额，一个东道国名额，两个额外名额。额外名额将在资格期结束后由三方委员会确定。每个单打项目还必须至少有两名来自五大洲协会的运动员，前提是他们的排名在前250名之内。

双打

在每个双打项目中，国家或地区协会至少需要两组球员排在奥运积分前8位，才能获得两个满额参赛名额。每个双打项目还必须至少有一对来自五大洲协会的运动员，前提是他们的排名在前50名之内。

考虑到所有项目的参赛资格，没有任何国家或地区协会可以在单个项目中派出超过2组以上运动员。

在国际奥委会官网上查看已批准的2024年巴黎奥运会参赛资格规则。

世界羽联确认将有大批印尼选手退出将于12月12日在西班牙韦尔瓦举行的2021道达尔能源世锦赛。

印尼羽毛球协会(PBSI)周三上午宣布了这一消息，表达了与新冠肺炎疫情相关的担忧。还有一小部分印尼选手仍在签表中。

世界羽联对PBSI的决定感到失望，并对在抽签后退出感到遗憾。

然而，世界羽联和西班牙羽毛球联合会目前正根据地方和国家卫生当局制定的建议和措施，包括针对所有运动员、团队官员和主要利益攸关方的一套全面的安全协议，集中精力举办一场安全、成功的世锦赛。

此外男单卫冕冠军、世界第二桃田贤斗因伤退出比赛，世界羽联也确认了这一不幸消息。桃田贤斗还退出了上周的2021汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛，并已返回日本。

混双7号种子陈炳顺和吴柳莹在搭档13年后宣布解散，并退出世锦赛。

大多数球员现在已经安全抵达韦尔瓦并进入了“安全泡泡”。第一轮比赛将于当地时间周日上午10点开始。目前没有重新抽签的计划。

2021尤尼克斯法国公开赛男双决赛中，韩国老将组合高成炫/申白喆击败了世界排名第一吉迪恩/苏卡穆约，自2019年澳大利亚公开赛后再次夺得男双冠军。

这是属于两位老将的标志性胜利，他们用韩国的传统打法击败了世界最顶级的男双组合。34岁的高成炫和32岁的申白喆是2016年里约奥运会后退役的几对顶级男双选手之一；他们于2018年复出，但复出之旅磕磕绊绊。与此同时，小黄人组合将自己塑造成里约后男双一代的佼佼者。

但韩国老将今天的表现表明，他们的技术仍旧是最顶级的；不管对手的什么球，他们都用顽强的防守化解；他们调动苏卡穆约让他无法发挥前场的实力，当机会来临时，他们由守转攻一击制胜。

高成炫获得了他的第三个法国公开赛冠军(前两次分别搭档李龙大和金荷娜），申白喆获得了他的第一个法国公开赛冠军。“在来这里之前，我们都不认为我们能赢，”高成炫说。“每次胜利后，我们都感觉更好，今天我们超级开心。几年前我们离开了国家队，在疫情之后，这是我们第一次进入高级别赛事决赛，所以这对我们来说真的很重要。”

“与年轻选手相比，我们体能限制很大，所以很难跟上他们。我们有经验，这对我们今天很有帮助。这取决于具体情况。也许今天我们的处理得比对手好。他们真的是很好的球员。很难把他们和我们同时代的人相比。即使在那时，也有很多人比我们更好。”

申白喆说：“我们没有任何遗憾。但在我们不打球的那段时间里，我们对自己的未来感到不安。现在我们很高兴我们今天做到了。这是我第一次在法国参加决赛，所以意义重大。在这之后，我们将对未来的重大比赛更有信心。”

他们的的同胞李绍熙和申昇瓒早些时候以21-17、21-12击败队友金昭映/孔熙容获得了女双冠军，继2019年后再次登上最高领奖台。

Click here for results

2021道达尔能源世界羽联苏迪曼杯总决赛决赛中，卫冕冠军中国队以3-1击败日本队，第12次捧起苏迪曼杯。

纵观全场比赛，双方都展现了超强水准，年轻的球员们表现出了与久经沙场的球星们一样的抗压能力。在上一届苏迪曼杯上，日本队以0-3被中国队击败，这次他们试图推翻这一结果，但他们不得不再次区居亚军。

中国队教练张军谈到了对年轻队员的信任，以及他们在这场重大赛事中坚守立场的能力。让一位球员上两个单项的计划被搁置，中国选择了何济霆和周昊东参加男双。

结果如愿以偿。保木卓朗/小林优吾在一个多小时的时间里与中国的年轻队员进行了战斗，但日本人错误地过度依赖防守。在比赛的最后阶段，何济霆/周昊东始终保持着进攻的活力，帮助中国队取得了领先。

“我们在四分之一决赛中输给了丹麦，我们吸取了教训——我们试着更有耐心，”周昊东说。

在上届苏迪曼杯决赛中，山口茜输给了陈雨菲。今天山口一心要进攻。日本人不愿意在对抗赛中留下遗憾，她保持着陈雨菲难以跟上的速度。即使当她的对手找到空档时，山口茜也依靠着顽强的跑动进行补救。正是这种更顽强的风格帮助山口茜赢得了比赛，因为陈雨菲在其他方面还是一如既往的精确和稳定。

“上一届苏迪曼杯我也是同样的情况，但我输了，所以我不想重蹈覆辙。而且，她是奥运会金牌得主，所以我决定挑战她。”山口说。“我只是想打一场稳定的比赛。我知道她打了几场长时间的比赛，一定会累的。我没有打过这么多长时间的比赛，所以我很有活力。”

在一场高质量的开局之后，男单比赛出现了最令人好奇的转折。开局似乎消耗了石宇奇太多精力，因此他放弃了第二局，把所有精力留到第三局上。无论是这一周累积的疲劳，还是仅仅精神上的压力，桃田贤斗又一次输了。世界第一面对石宇奇的不断高强度进攻，并没有什么办法能够应对，最终石宇奇以2-1击败对手，使中国队以2-1领先。

桃田否认疲劳是他在第三局比赛中有点无精打采的原因。“我被对手的进攻能力压垮了，所以我输了。我没有那么累，但我找不到赢球的方法。”

石宇奇在庆祝他2019年7月受伤复出后的最佳时刻时，承诺要比受伤前更好。“我放弃了第二局以恢复我的体力。我必须把所有的精力都放在第三局比赛上。我有90%的最佳状态。赢得比赛是一件很棒的事情，但我的目标不是回到以前的水平——我要达到以前水平的120% !”

日本最后的希望寄托在女双临时组合上，松本麻佑/松友美佐纪给陈清晨/贾一凡造成了不小的麻烦。中国组合一路经受着考验，她们表现出了出色的气质，关键时刻下手更加果断。

随着21-17 21-16的胜利，苏迪曼杯留在了中国。“奥运会之后,这个冠军让我们可以再次激励我们的队员，”张军说，“我们本届苏杯男双阵容上不是最完美的，对泰国和丹麦我们有一些困难，但我们决定让年轻球员上场，我们信任他们的能力，他们今天做的很好。”
Click here for Match Centre.

2021道达尔能源世界羽联苏迪曼杯总决赛 第三比赛日中，桃田贤斗率领的日本队5-0击败英格兰队，将与马来西亚队争夺小组头名位置。

在东京奥运会小组赛阶段被淘汰之后，球迷对桃田的状态充满了好奇。今天，在D组日本对阵英格兰的比赛中，渡边勇大/东野有纱帮助日本取得领先后，桃田贤斗在与世界排名第205位的托尔森的比赛中，看上去与巅峰时期的状态还相距甚远。

日本人经常被托尔森的杀直线所击溃，这位22岁的英格兰球员打得非常轻松，然而最后一记发球将优势拱手让给了桃田，他在第一局比赛中获得了信心，并在没有进一步失误的情况下结束了比赛。

“一开始我非常紧张，无法发挥自己的能力。接近第二局的时候，我让自己冷静下来，控制住自己的比赛。”

“我希望在专注度方面有所提高。我今天很紧张，不能专注于一件事。不过，好在我能让自己冷静下来。”

托尔森说，他对自己的表现感到惊讶。

“这对我来说绝对是一个惊喜，我不知道他是否感到紧张。很高兴看到我的扣杀能够穿透他的防守。我认为这对我来说绝对是一个巨大的信心助推器，能够在与世界上最好的球员的比赛中取得这样的成绩。我想在未来面对每一个球员时都这样做。”

本·莱恩和文迪不敌古贺辉/斋藤太一，没能阻止日本队。 山口茜以21-16/21-12击败霍尔顿，之后志田千阳/松山奈未在与布里奇/史密斯的比赛中直落两局，帮助日本队5-0完胜英格兰队。

在另一场B组比赛中，马来西亚以5比0击败埃及，而在B组中，中华台北以5比0击败德国，韩国以同样的优势击败了塔希提岛。

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Gregory Mairs and Jenny Mairs are fast emerging as England’s top mixed doubles pair, taking over the mantel after their predecessors.  Their latest performance— a 21-9, 21-13 victory over India’s Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani in the first round of the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 —highlights their determination to rise through the ranks. The win was a critical step in their campaign to gain enough points to qualify for the prestigious All England Badminton Championships in March where they wait to see how other pairs fare in a bid to play in Birmingham.

The Indonesia Masters is part of a demanding three-week tour in Asia, where the Mairs have also competed in the Malaysia Open and India Open. These events have been essential for their growth, particularly after facing the world’s No.1 and No.2 mixed doubles pairs in earlier events. “You either win or you learn,” J.Mairs explained. “Playing against pairs like that helped us raise our game. We took the lessons we learned, focused on them in practice, and applied them in today’s match,” said the world ranked No. 44 pair.

Their victory in Jakarta was a product of thoughtful preparation and refined tactics. “We went on with a plan, we executed it, and we won,” G.Mairs said. The 29-year-old elaborated on one specific adjustment that has made a difference in their play: “One of the biggest things has been moving forward more at the net. Against the top pairs, even when the shuttle is slightly below net tape, they apply pressure and go forward so much. Today, we tried to stay high on the court, challenging at the front and being aggressive.”

The Mairs also had additional support during their opening match, with Germany’s Marvin Seidel, a men’s doubles player, stepping into the coaching chair. A close friend of the pair, Seidel provided valuable input during key moments of the game. “Before the match, he helped us fine-tune our plan,” J.Mairs said. “At the mid-game interval, he reminded us to keep moving forward and stick to the strategy. His presence gave us extra confidence.”

For the Mairs, the journey has been as challenging as it has been rewarding as they take over the mantel as England’s top mixed doubles pair following the retirement of Marcus Elllis/Lauren Smith, Chris Adcock/Gabby Adcock and 2004 Olympic silver medallists, Nathan Robertson/Gail Emms.

“I don’t really think about it,” replied G.Mairs.

“In my opinion we should be the fourth or fifth pair in England, if you look at like the history of our mixed doubles and the top players we have had. We’re not producing players that are in the Top 10 at the moment, so we need to do big things in England to get back to having two or three pairs in the Top 10. We want to be an inspiration, but we want people to be better than us.”

Both have juggled part-time jobs to fund their badminton careers while competing internationally from working as a pizza delivery driver to security guard work. “It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve learned to focus on the things we can control—our preparation, mindset, and enjoying the process,” the Chester native reflected.

The duo will face Rivaldy/Kusumawati in the next round. This will be their first encounter.

 →Results (Day 2)

→Order of Play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“Since Kenneth Jonassen joined BAM, the one thing he has taught me is to ‘be positive’. Don’t put yourself down, never mind those few points, be positive. The mental strength of his words is what got me through my match today because she (Buhrova) was so powerful and strong that I needed to reach in for that self-belief.” – Karupathevan Letshanna after her 21-23 21-15 21-19 win over Polina Buhrova and the impact Jonassen has had on her

“That was really fun. It’s exciting playing a home tournament. I’m usually very smiley on court but with the pressure playing at home comes with, I had my game face on. Now I’m smiling again.” – Muhammad Shohibul Fikri jests on bringing his A Game after overcoming Jin Yong/Seo Seung Jae 21-14 21-19

“I always seem to run into Chinese players in tournaments. These last three weeks in a row, they’ve been on my side of the draw. It’s finding a way to get past them that I need to do. They don’t all play the same way. Weng Hong Yang is different to Li Shi Feng. I’m feeling good physically and mentally. I’m looking forward the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships next month. I’ll be ready.” – Leong Jun Hao

“I had my mum, dad, brother and sister in the stadium to watch me. I think it makes me nervous to play in front of them but I know I have to do it. My nerves were a little all over the place today but I told myself to be patient and keep calm.” – Putri Kasuma Wardani on overcoming first round nerves as she outclassed Pai Yu Po

“There is a lot more to learn from losses than wins. It definitely pricks you really hard when you lose and you go back to learn what mistakes you made and come back stronger.” – Pusarla V. Sindhu on the mental fortitude she will use after a first time loss to Nguyen Thuy Linh in three meetings

“We’re childhood friends. We went to primary and middle school together. We get along really well. I know all his secrets but I won’t reveal them to you, haha. He is a very nice and funny guy.” – Kang Min Hyuk on how his partnership with childhood friend, Kim Won Ho came about

Entry Deadline: 4 February 2025

Dear Members, Continental Confederations, and BWF-Recognised Para Badminton Organisations,

The International School Sport Federation (ISF) will be organising the ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2025 from 4 to 14 April 2025 in Zlatibor, Serbia.  The Games will feature 25 sports including badminton and Para badminton.

The Bulletin containing all details on the badminton and Para badminton competitions and the ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2025 can be accessed here: ISF Bulletin 1.

Please note that this competition is open to students born in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

See below further information on the event.

Entry Information

Who can Register?

The ISF Gymnasiade welcomes participants from various entities, whether ISF Members or not:

• National School Associations
• BWF Member Associations
• National Paralympic Committees
• Schools
• Other Institutions

The BWF recommends that Member Associations and National Paralympic Committees collaborate with their corresponding National School Associations for registration.

How to Register?

All entries are submitted through the ISF online platform: https://isf-eras.org/.

National School Associations (ISF Members) will have an account and existing credentials.  For non ISF Members, including BWF Member Associations, you will need to click the ‘Sign Up’ option on the login page.  You will then receive your login details via email.

See below extract (page 17 of Bulletin 1) on the registration phases:

If you encounter any difficulties during the registration process, please contact ISF Admin ([email protected]) and copy Sahir Edoo, BWF Head of Development Projects ([email protected]).

BWF and ISF Collaboration

WF and the ISF will actively collaborate in delivering several development activities at the games, including Shuttle Time and other educational opportunities.

For more information on the BWF and ISF collaborations and activities in Serbia, contact BWF Head of Development Projects Sahir Edoo ([email protected]).

Useful Links

For information on the tournament format, for both badminton and Para badminton, you can click on the following links: Badminton Technical Rules and Regulations and Para badminton Technical Rules and Regulations.

Event Website and additional information: https://events.isfsports.org/

Please note that registration closes on 4 February 2025.

International School Sport Federation (ISF)

International School Sport Federation (ISF) was founded in 1972 as an international non-profit sports organisation, acting as the umbrella organisation and governing body for national school sport organisations around the world organising sport, and educational events for youth from 6 to 18 years old.

ISF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and consists of 132 members over the five continents. They organise over 10 events per year and have more than 30 different sports included in its competition programme.

Should you have any questions on the above, please contact International School Sport Federation ([email protected]).

Visit ISF website for more information: https://www.isfsports.org/

BWF Contacts

If you have any question on the above, contact Sahir Edoo, Head of Development Projects, [email protected] or Erica Khoo, Development Manager, [email protected].

Tanisha Crasto/Ashwini Ponnappa made a commanding start to their DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 campaign, securing a 21-6 21-14 first-round victory over Thailand’s Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn/Sukitta Suwachai.

Reflecting on the 30-minute win, Ponnappa noted their approach and adaptability to the well known tricky conditions of the Istora.

“We started quite steady, being fairly consistent,” she remarked, highlighting how patience in shorter rallies proved crucial. “Playing cool, calm and chatty sum us up so perfectly.”

Their on-court synergy was evident throughout, with Crasto emphasising the relaxed and enjoyable energy they brought to the game.

“We were freer with our shots, not thinking too much, just playing in the moment,” she shared.

It’s a winning formula they believe is working, allowing them to remain present and fluid in their gameplay as they remain committed to taking the collaboration forward following break-up rumours post the Paris Olympics.

Coming off a second-round exit on home soil at the India Open last week, three-time Olympian Ponnappa said: “It’s not the easiest to pick yourself up but seeing other players overcome setbacks reminds you to keep going.”

With tournaments coming thick and fast, the duo are clear about their ambitions for the partnership.

“We are going to play, play, play,” said Crasto, confirming the aim to consistently go deep into tournaments. Reaching the quarterfinals or better yet, the semifinals in Jakarta is the target but their biggest dream remains triumphing at the prestigious All England, which Ponnappa calls ‘the Wimbledon of badminton’.

For now, their priority lies in staying injury-free, maintaining mental freedom and approaching challenges one at a time – a philosophy they hope will carry them to greater heights this season.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan kept the fans happy with a 21-19 22-20 win over Chiang Chien-Wei/Wu Hsuan-Yi, taking their ‘last dance’ into another round. They face Junaidi Arif/Roy King Yap in the next round.

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of play (Day 2)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“Oh, we were absolutely not worried. We had it all under control. We had the crowd behind us, we knew what to do and that the Danes would make some mistakes. We were very relaxed.” – Muhammad Rian Ardianto after he and Fajar Alfian came through 13-21 21-19 21-11 agaisnt Daniel Lundgaard/Mads Vestergaard

“My dad watches all my matches. He’s my No.1 supporter and I’m lucky to have him. I’m thankful he helps me every day and I still have a lot to learn from him.” – Two-time All England winner (2004, 2006) Martin Lundgaard Hansen is his son’s biggest cheerleader

“We haven’t played three tournaments in a row for a while so we are adapting. We’ve made two semifinals and now we want to do well in Jakarta. What makes this tournament so special are the fans. They were singing a song during the Alfian/Ardianto match and I had no idea what it was but it sounded good.” – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy on absorbing all the Istora has to offer

“I’m here experiencing a home event with a different partner (Lanny Tria Mayasari) and it’s great. I’m aiming to return with Apriyani (Rahayu) at the All England. I’ve missed her 11 out of 10.” – Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti

You can also follow DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 on BWF TV.

** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **

Dear Members and Continental Confederations,

Following a previous Notice from 2024, please find attached an updated Notice with new Entry Information:

The International School Sport Federation (ISF) is organizing the first edition of the World

Teacher Games in Région Sud, in the Métropolis Toulon Provence Méditerranée, France, from 5 to 10 May 2025.

The largest international event for teachers promoting physical education and sport will gather thousands of teachers from over 35 countries.

Supported by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission, the World Teacher Games will welcome more than 200 teams, featuring team sports challenges, workshops, an international conference, and cultural activities.

Event Information

The BWF, in collaboration with the French Badminton Federation (FFBaD), will be actively engaged in the delivery of the various activities at the event including in education and sports areas.  The Sports section of the Games will feature 5 sports, including AirBadminton.

SPORT PROGRAMME

On 8 and 9 May 2025, the teachers will be joining a friendly sport competition programme in teams of 4-6 persons which is composed of the following sports:

• Beach Rugby
• Swimming Relay in the sea
• Volleyball
• Trail running
• AirBadminton

For more information on the activities, including workshops and conference topics: https://www.worldteachergames.com/activities

Entry Information

Entries can be made by BWF Member Associations, schools, other educational institution and any individuals on the Games website: https://www.worldteachergames.com/.  Based on the Games format, it is recommended to enter a Team of 4 participants, but individual participants will also be accepted.

Registration Guidelines:

• English (link)
• Chinese (link)
• Spanish (link)
• French (link)
• Arabic (link)

The organisers are offering various packages for participants and schools including accommodation, meals, and transportation.

Kindly note that as a member of the BWF family, you can use the discount code BWFWTG2025 to receive a 10% discount on your registration.

Registration Deadline: Friday 28 February 2025.

Please share the above information with your own networks of school, teachers, coaches, and educators.

In case of any difficulties during the registration process, please contact ISF Admin ([email protected]) and copy Sahir Edoo, BWF Head of Development Projects ([email protected]).

International School Sport Federation (ISF)

International School Sport Federation (ISF) was founded in 1972 as an international non-profit sports organisation, acting as the umbrella organisation and governing body for national school sport organisations around the world organising sport, and educational events for youth from 6 to 18 years old.

ISF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and consists of 132 members over the five continents. They organise over 10 events per year and have more than 30 different sports included in its competition programme.

Should you have any questions on the above, please contact International School Sport Federation ([email protected]).

Visit ISF website for more information: https://www.isfsports.org/

BWF Contacts

If you have any question on the above, contact Sahir Edoo, Head of Development Projects, [email protected] or Erica Khoo, Development Manager, [email protected]

This week marks the end of an era as Indonesian legends Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, affectionately known as ‘The Daddies’ play their final tournament at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025.

With their graceful teamwork, effortless strokes and unmatched achievements, the pair, who announced their retirement last year, will conclude an almighty partnership that redefined men’s doubles badminton.

The pair are three-time world champions (2013, 2015, 2019) together, two-time All England winners (2014, 2019) and former world No.1s. The home heroes, set to be backed by a strong Istora crowd, will take on Chien-Wei Chiang/Hsuan-Yi Wu of Chinese Taipei in the first round.

Meanwhile, Ahsan/Setiawan’s compatriot Anthony Sinisuka Ginting has withdrawn due to injury joining last week’s India Open runner-up Lee Cheuk Yiu in skipping the Indonesia Masters.

Other notable withdrawals include reigning women’s singles champion and top seed Wang Zhi Yi.

Withdrawals

Men’s singles: Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Lee Cheuk Yiu

Women’s singles: Wang Zhi Yi, Malvika Bansod

Men’s doubles: Peeratchai Sukphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul

Women’s doubles: Laksika Kanlaha/Phataimas Muenwong, Jesita Putri Miantoro/Febi Setianingrum

Mixed doubles: Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing, Teeraratsakul/Muenwong, Lee Jong Min/Chae Yu Jung

Promotions

Men’s singles: Takuma Obayashi, Kiran George

Women’s singles: Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Polina Buhrova

Women’s doubles: Zhang Shu Xian/Jia Yi Fan, Go Pei Kee/Teoh Mei Xing

Mixed doubles: Julien Maio/Lea Palermo, Dejan Ferdinandsyah/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Gao Jia Xuan/Wu Meng Ying

Click here to view the updated draw.

DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 starts tomorrow, with the first match scheduled at 9am Kuala Lumpur time (UTC +8).

With her second title in two weeks, An Se Young is well on her way. It’s the beginning of the season, and the world No.1 has made it clear that there will be no dip in intensity, no easing into her best form. She is up and running.

Pornpawee Chochuwong, who had battled past Tomoka Miyazaki in the semifinals after facing three match points, never had a glimpse in the final. The Thai was shut out of the game from the start, but An, despite her domination, was hard on herself whenever she made the odd error.

“I want to be perfect. Even one mistake stresses me, that’s why I look annoyed when I make a mistake,” she said, after wrapping up her second India Open title in 40 minutes, 21-12 21-9.

“In the last match I didn’t play well as I was following the shuttle and wasn’t able to play my game. But in this match I had better experience and I could play according to my will.

“I don’t want to lose any shuttle. I don’t even realise I’m diving around. I just don’t want to miss a single shuttle.”

The result of men’s singles too was never in doubt after the early passage of play, with Viktor Axelsen firing winners at will against Lee Cheuk Yiu. The Dane needed just 41 minutes to capture his third India Open title from six finals, 21-16 21-8.

“I didn’t enjoy it until I won the last point,” said Axelsen. “I felt I had to focus on every single point and even though I was leading big, in my mind I was still trailing behind. This week has been very inconsistent from a mental perspective for me, and also game-wise. So to play a game like this with my current state is very very positive.

“I slept very bad, maybe four-five hours. I had a good (physio) treatment, we laughed a lot at breakfast and had a good time relaxing. Just tried my best to get my body ready. To be honest, to win this title is very special for me because it has been a different feeling on court, different preparation, and I’m starting to feel my motivation is back. I’ve been a competitor this week. Since the Olympics I’ve had a little bit of issues with injuries, and that has been affecting my motivation a bit, so to be here and win the title means a lot.”

→Results

With a performance that would have done their idols Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan proud, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin completed their conquest of the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2025.

The touch at the net and domination of the short, quick exchanges were very much in keeping with the Daddies’ style, and Goh and Izzuddin executed it to perfection, although, faced with the quality of Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, it was a hard-fought battle. The Koreans stretched the contest to a third but the Malaysians were right on the money when it mattered.

Incidentally, with Setiawan having timed his retirement for next week, the Malaysians paid tribute to their icon.

“Our idols are Hendra and Ahsan. We have consciously tried to pick up their style of play,” said Goh.

“We are happy that we can overcome our struggles of last week. Kim and Seo didn’t make many unforced errors, and our communication with each other was very good. They didn’t give us many chances as they increased the speed in the second game, and we had to catch up with their speed. This medal means a lot not only to us, but to our team as well, so thank you to them.”

With Setiawan retiring next week, Izzuddin hailed the Daddies’ influence on their game.

“If we keep performing well, we can achieve a higher (No.1) ranking,” said Izzuddin. “We had to be patient and not make many mistakes.”

Sakuramoto/Igarashi Surge to Title

Ayako Sakuramoto’s plan to team up with Arisa Igarashi at the end of last year yielded returns far earlier than they anticipated as the new combination walked away with the women’s doubles crown.

In just their third tournament together, they careened through the draw, beating three top 10 pairs before forcing their way past Koreans Kim Hye Jeong/Kong Hee Yong in straight games in today’s final.

“It was my idea,” said Sakuramoto, of their decision to pair up. “She is an attacking player and gives me a lot of opportunities.”

Having focussed on mixed doubles through most of her career, Igarashi has made a stunningly quick transition to women’s doubles. Her impact was obvious, with the jump smashes, coupled with Sakuramoto’s creative angles, keeping the Japanese in front.

“It was our first Super 750 final and it means a lot to win this,” said Sakuramoto. “We didn’t expect to win but we have been training for this.”

Her partner, who had a successful career in mixed doubles before turning to women’s doubles, said: “I have won in mixed doubles, but to win in women’s doubles makes me very happy.”

→Results

Far from his physical and mental best, Viktor Axelsen managed to dredge the deep reserves within himself to make the title round of the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open for the sixth time.

Frequently misfiring his smashes, wincing in pain and frustration, and angry at his mistakes, Axelsen appeared at times to be losing the plot against a sharp Jonatan Christie, but the Dane still had enough in the tank to outgun the Indonesian and make the final.

There was plenty of frustration evident as he struggled in the opening game – even earning a warning from the umpire for breaking his racket – and Axelsen acknowledged the lapse.

“First of all, I’m a human being – what you see is what you get. I’m not a robot, sometimes my emotions boil over a little bit, but that’s me, and I’m not proud of breaking the racket, but I’m not a machine and I was really struggling in there today. I felt frustrated because I felt I was playing a good game, but then suddenly everything fell apart and Christie stepped up and I was so frustrated. But I managed to find a way back somehow, I don’t know how, obviously I’m super proud.”

“Definitely mentally, physically also…. I’ve had close to zero preparation before this. To be in the final is way over my expectations and that’s why I was celebrating so much.

Rankireddy/Shetty Fall

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty rode the wave of home support to get a strong start against Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin before the Malaysians turned on their A game, with Goh’s brilliance at the net stopping the Indians in their tracks.

The Malaysians trapped the Indians into short, flat exchanges, and with the shuttle playing fast, the home favourites couldn’t get a grip on the proceedings.

“They took us by surprise,” admitted Shetty.

“We’ve played them multiple times, but this is the first time we saw a very different game. Especially in the first two-three strokes. We were able to control it in the beginning, but maybe if we could have got on-two points here and there, it could’ve been different. Thy got confident in the flick serve which worked well for them.”

“It’s about confidence, they are good at fast strokes,” added Rankireddy. “The shuttles were fast so we couldn’t open up and we had to play the flat game. We are tall and have to bend and that’s not our game.”

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A first Super 750 final was Pornpawee Chochuwong’s reward for her stubborn resistance during a nearly lost cause in the semifinals of the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2025.

And as the Thai celebrated one of her career’s best wins in the face of defeat, at the opposite end was crestfallen 18-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki, coming to terms with the bitterness of defeat in a match that tested the physical and mental limits of both players.

Miyazaki was seemingly at control at 20-18 in the second, but here Chochuwong’s dogged resistance came to the fore as she took the match to a decider. To Miyazaki’s credit, she didn’t allow the lost opportunity to distract her, and she was very much in the hunt until the very end, but Chochuwong’s superior experience proved decisive as she edged her young opponent 11-21 24-22 21-19. It will be Chochuwong’s biggest final since the All England in 2021.

“She was faster than me in the beginning, and I tried to step it up. Just had to fight it out in the third,” said Chochuwong.

The Thai’s entry into the final signalled continued good form after her recovery from a shoulder injury that had affected her early last year.

“It’s great for me in 2025. I couldn’t play well in India last year, but this time I’ve improved. I’m really happy. I think it’s a good time for me, because the injury layoff gave me time for recovery. I was surprised I could win, because I was behind in the second game. The crowd helped me a lot and there were a lot of supporters for me.”

Chochuwong will expect a far more difficult opponent in the final, with An Se Young making her second final in two weeks. The world No.1 was tested by Gregoria Mariska Tunjung but came through in straight games, 21-19 21-16.

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