Ratchanok Intanon’s 21-18 10-21 21-14 victory over Nozomi Okuhara in the Kumamoto Masters 2025 semifinal was more than just another chapter in their long rivalry – it was the bridge carrying her back to the season finale she had missed for two years.

“It was quite difficult because my mind was on calculating the points,” she admitted post-match.

All week, the numbers had chased her like shadows. But now, with her place at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025 secure – her 10th overall appearance at a season-ender – those shadows lifted.

“After winning, I’m certain to qualify so I feel really happy.”

The second game slipped from her grasp as Okuhara pushed harder and doubt threatened to settle in.

“I clearly couldn’t do my best. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to play a third game,” Intanon said.

She fought on, drawing strength from the memory of another three-game battle against Beiwen Zhang in the second round earlier in the week.

“I pulled through so I’m happy with my fitness too,” said the 30-year-old.

Facing Okuhara again brought a quiet nostalgia. They had first met as teenagers at the 2011 World Junior Championships.

“She need not change much,” Ratchanok mused, “but she’s lost a bit of weight. We are getting older … we have to take care of our bodies to compete with the young generation.”

Now with qualification assured – her minimum total of HSBC Race to Finals points can longer be caught by contenders below her – and her first final since January ahead, the tension dissolved into excitement.

“Yes, I don’t have any pressure,” she said of the final against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. “I will just do my best and give everything on court. It will be exciting, I think.”

By defeating Chiu Pin-Chian, Tunjung not only advanced to her third consecutive title match in Kumamoto, she also cleared the path for compatriot Putri Kusuma Wardani to clinch her spot at Hangzhou 2025, completing the women’s singles line-up.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)