Tokyo – China’s Shi Yuqi delivered a statement performance at the Japan Open 2025, defeating world No. 8 Alex Lanier of France in straight sets 21-17, 21-15 to secure the men’s singles title—ending a decade-long drought for the Chinese men’s team at this Super 750 event.
Watch highlights of Shi Yuqi vs. Alex Lanier in the 2025 Japan Open final:
The last Chinese men’s singles title in Tokyo came in 2015, when Lin Dan narrowly overcame Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen. Since then, no Chinese male shuttler had lifted the trophy—until today.
Shi Yuqi came into the final with a point to prove, having lost to Lanier in the 2024 Japan Open semifinals, where the French youngster staged a dramatic comeback. This time, however, Shi played with composure and control, closing the first game with a 4-point streak and maintaining pressure throughout the second.
“This was a tough match, but I stuck to my strategy,” Shi said post-match. “This title means a lot. It helps build confidence and reminds me that all the hard work is paying off.”
This win marks Shi Yuqi’s third title of the 2025 season, following triumphs at the Malaysia Open and All England Open, and is a major milestone in his comeback journey after injuries plagued his career in recent years.
🏸 Men’s Doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Fall to Blazing Korean Duo
Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were denied a historic second Japan Open crown after falling 16-21, 17-21 to Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae in the men’s doubles final.
Despite entering the final as defending champions and the world’s No. 1 pair, the Malaysians were outpaced by the high-speed attacking game of the Korean duo, who are now in peak form this season.
“We had no pressure coming in, but they were simply too fast. We couldn’t match their tempo,” admitted Sze Fei. His partner Izzuddin added, “We tried to fight back in the second game, but they always had the upper hand.”
The defeat not only ends their hopes of becoming Malaysia’s first men’s doubles pair to win the Japan Open twice, but also costs them their No. 1 world ranking—now taken over by their Korean rivals.
This is Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s second final of the season, with their only title coming at the India Open in January. The pair takes home $33,250 (RM141,182) as runners-up.
Meanwhile, Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae celebrated their fifth title this season, having already captured the Malaysia Open, German Open, All England, and Indonesia Open. They earned $70,300 (RM298,500) for their victory in Tokyo.
🏸 China’s Dominance at Japan Open 2025
With titles in men’s singles (Shi Yuqi), women’s doubles (Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning), and mixed doubles (Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin), China emerged as the dominant force at this year’s Japan Open.
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