In a match that felt like redemption, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi defied the odds to book their place in the VICTOR Denmark Open 2025 final – their first on the HSBC BWF World Tour in 11 months.

But this wasn’t just another semifinal win, it was a long-awaited triumph over old rivals Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, whom they hadn’t beaten in six years. The Japanese pair edged a pulsating encounter 23-21 18-21 21-16 – a scoreline that only hints at the intensity of the battle.

It’s been a turbulent season for the 2021 world champions, marked by flashes of brilliance drowned out by inconsistency. Kobayashi’s return from a knee injury in April added another layer of adversity to overcome.

“It’s a great feeling to be back in the Denmark Open final,” Kobayashi said. “We have great memories of winning here in 2021 and we are happy to be playing at this level again.

“I’ve been recovering from a knee injury and I’m feeling good, even stronger than before.”

Hoki credited their strategy for the breakthrough.

“We knew what we had to do, stop them from unleashing their biggest weapon: the high-point smash. We kept the pressure up with our drives. We haven’t beaten them for a few years so we are happy with this win.”

From battling injuries and erratic form to reaching a major final once again, Hoki and Kobayashi have shown they’re not done yet. This could well be a turning point, not just for their season but perhaps for their partnership’s next chapter.

They face Fajar Alfian/Muhmmad Shohibul Fikri in Sunday’s title bout, an encounter that offers Japan’s No.1 men’s pair the chance to recapture their winning form of recent years.

Jonatan Christie will contest his first Denmark Open final after defeating Alex Lanier to set up a clash against Shi Yu Qi. The world No.6, who has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals in Odense, defeated the Frenchman 11-21 21-8 21-13.

“It hasn’t been easy to get my confidence back and my performance is definitely back because a few months ago I had some problems with my body,” Christie explained after his win. “But slowly it’s getting better and hopefully in the next few tournaments I can keep my performance and momentum.”

The court conditions proved challenging for both players, with strong drift affecting play, yet Christie adapted effectively to claim his most significant final since winning the China Masters 2024.

He will play Shi after the world champion defeated home hero Viktor Axelsen 21-19 17-21 21-17 to reach his second Denmark Open final, having also won in 2022. It will be their 17th encounter, with the Indonesian leading the head-to-head 9-7.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of Play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I haven’t had the results I wanted but this year I’m approaching the tournament with a different mindset. I’m trying to enjoy it. I really want the title.” – An Se Young, who is yet to win the Denmark Open, on making her third final in Odense after defeating world champion Akane Yamaguchi 16-21 21-10 21-9

“We are very familiar with our opponents. We will focus on getting a good rest and enjoy the final. We will do everything we can. But the winner will buy dinner.” – Huang Dong Ping after she and Feng Yan Zhe beat Hiroki Midorikawa/Natsu Saito 21-8 21-11 to reach their fourth consecutive Denmark Open final