Li Shi Feng stormed back to the top of the podium after a year as he won the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024.

The world No.9 had been in three finals since winning the Asian Games 2023 last October, but finished runner-up each time. On Sunday Leong Jun Hao could not stop him, as he comfortably weathered the Malaysian’s challenge 21-10 21-13.

“It was important for me to win this, and it meant that I was able to set a high standard. Today everything went according to plan,” said the champion.

Leong, who had a great week with wins over Lakshya Sen, Koki Watanabe, Kodai Naraoka and Jonatan Christie – each of them in three games – said he had given it everything.

“I did my best to get here,” said Leong. “I did my best today and I gave everything I had. He’s a tough opponent; it’s very difficult to get points from him. I hope making this final helps build my confidence. I beat high-ranked opponents from the first round and I can’t believe I beat four of them this week.”

In women’s singles Akane Yamaguchi won her second title on home turf this year as she followed up her Japan Open win by annexing the Kumamoto Masters title. The Japanese was expected to face a difficult challenge from Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, who has troubled her previously, but it was a one-sided affair on Sunday. Yamaguchi picked up her 27^th title overall, beating Tunjung 21-12 21-12.

Other Highlights

» New pair Dechapol Puvaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran won their first title in just their third tournament as a pair, edging Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue 21-16 10-21 21-17.

» Another new pair, Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto, playing their first tournament together, faltered before Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning. The world No.2 Chinese swept past them 21-15 21-5 to win their fifth title of the year.

» Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto returned to the top of the podium for the first time since winning the All Englang in March as they outplayed home hopes Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi 21-15 17-21 21-17.

What They Said

“It was not easy to get to this point, so I’m grateful whatever the result, because this is the best I could do. My rival knows my weaknesses, and she played a lot to the back, where I couldn’t reach it. Yesterday I was fine, but it was a hard match and I was tired, so I couldn’t do my best today.” – Gregoria Mariska Tunjung

“When I play at home it motivates me because my parents and fans cheer for me and that gives me a lot of energy and that helps me keep calm and focus. I just kept probing my opponent’s weakness until I was able to get the advantage.” – Akane Yamaguchi

“We are grateful because it’s been a long time, our last win was the All England.” – Fajar Alfian

“We are not satisfied with today’s result, although we are happy that in our first tournament together we did so well.” – Mayu Matsumoto

“We had a good plan and we controlled the shuttle and my partner played well in the front. We’re happy and proud of winning this title.” – Dechapol Puavaranukroh

“We have had a lot of difficulties mentally and physically but we fought hard and we’re playing well again.” – Thom Gicquel 

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