Before a memorable Sunday in mid-March turned things around for them, it had been 15 months since Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida last won a title.

The title drought was somewhat surprising, for they have been among the most consistent pairs on the circuit. Since their last title – the China Masters in November 2023 – they rarely failed to make the latter rounds of most events they were in.

Last season they were in four finals and four semifinals – including a bronze medal finish at Paris 2024. Yet, they were struggling to cross the last barrier.

Eventually, it was at one of their favourite tournaments – the All England, which they had won in 2022 and were finalists last year – that the drought was broken. They had to earn it the hard way, battling compatriots Mayu Matsumoto and Yuki Fukushima over 83 minutes in a match that swung their way only at the very end.

“I still don’t feel we’ve actually won,” Matsuyama said. “We’ve always wanted to win at the All England and I’m glad the dream has come true again. We are overwhelmed.”

The start of this season saw them choose an unconventional path. Matsuyama took a break, while Shida partnered Misaki Matsutomo in a scratch combination for the year’s first two events. Matsuyama returned for the All England and the pair enjoyed their best result in over a year.

It was the reset period that helped them return strong, said Shida. After five straight losses to Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning, the Japanese stormed past the Chinese in straight games. Then followed the marathon final in which Matsuyama and Shida finished strong in the end phase of a draining contest.

“At the Olympics, we had our biggest goal, but when our campaign got over, we didn’t really have time to think about our performance or study our opponents, because there were tournaments one after the other,” recalled Shida.

“We were exhausted physically and emotionally and we were not in condition. It has been quite tough in that regard. It was very difficult to get back to 100 per cent preparation and get motivated once again.

“After the Olympics we were not able to spend time in training and we lost muscle. Over the year end we really worked on strength and condition during training, and I believe that has worked for us.”