Li Shi Feng and Akane Yamaguchi Shine in Thrilling Badminton Battles
Top Performances Across Singles and Doubles Categories
The Kumamoto Masters 2024, part of the BWF World Tour Super 500 series, concluded in Kumamoto, Japan, from 11th to 17th November 2024. With a generous prize pool of USD 420,000, the tournament attracted top players from around the world, showcasing high-level badminton action across five categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
The stakes were high, with players competing for not only the championship titles but also crucial BWF ranking points. Winners in the Singles division (Men’s and Women’s) earned USD 31,500 and 9,200 BWF points, while doubles champions took home USD 33,180 and 9,200 BWF points. Prize money and points extended across all rounds, making each match a critical step toward greater achievements in the BWF rankings.
The tournament celebrated the spirit of badminton with intense competition, remarkable skills, and unforgettable moments, reaffirming Kumamoto’s place as a premier destination for international badminton. Stay tuned as we dive into the category-wise breakdown of this electrifying event.
Men's Singles
Champion:
Li Shi Feng – China
Runner-up:
Leong Jun Hao – Malaysia
In an exhilarating showdown at the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024, Li Shifeng (BWF 9) of China emerged victorious in the Men’s Singles category, defeating Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao (BWF 31) in straight sets, 21-10, 21-13, to claim the title.
Key Highlights:
Key Highlights:
Champion’s Journey – Li Shi Feng:
- First Round: Overcame a tough start against Alex Lanier (France) with a comeback victory, 19-21, 21-6, 21-13.
- Second Round: Displayed dominance against Kenta Nishimoto (BWF 12, Japan), winning convincingly, 21-15, 21-13.
- Quarterfinals: Survived a challenging three-set match against Chi Yu Jen (Taiwan), 21-19, 11-21, 21-7.
- Semifinals: Defeated last year’s champion and world No. 2, Viktor Axelsen, in a stunning performance, 21-16, 21-15.
- Final: Clinched the title against Leong Jun Hao, demonstrating precision and consistency, 21-10, 21-13.
Runner-Up’s Journey – Leong Jun Hao:
- First Round: Pulled off an upset against Lakshya Sen (India) in a hard-fought battle, 22-20, 17-21, 21-16.
- Second Round: Overcame Koki Watanabe (BWF 11, Japan) with a spirited performance, 21-10, 16-21, 21-13.
- Quarterfinals: Defeated world No. 4 Kodai Naraoka (Japan) in a thriller, 21-17, 9-21, 21-16.
- Semifinals: Outlasted Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie (BWF 6) in a marathon match, 21-10, 18-21, 22-20.
Women's Singles
Champion:
Akane Yamaguchi – Japan
Runner-up:
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung – Indonesia
Akane Yamaguchi (BWF 4) of Japan delivered a stellar performance to claim the Women’s Singles title at the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024, defeating defending champion Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (BWF 8) of Indonesia in a commanding final, 21-12, 21-12. Yamaguchi showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament, reclaiming her position as one of the top players in women’s badminton.
Key Highlights:
Champion’s Journey – Akane Yamaguchi:
- Quarterfinals: Fought through a tough three-set match against compatriot Aya Ohori (Japan), winning 21-18, 15-21, 21-13.
- Semifinals: Displayed grit and adaptability to overcome Pornpawee Chochuwong (Thailand), 9-21, 21-12, 21-18.
- Final: Dominated defending champion Gregoria Mariska Tunjung with a strategic and consistent game, securing the title, 21-12, 21-12.
Runner-Up’s Journey – Gregoria Mariska Tunjung:
- First Round: Defeated Miyazaki T. (Japan) comfortably, 21-15, 21-12.
- Second Round: Overpowered former world champion Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand), 21-14, 21-15.
- Quarterfinals: Held her ground against Mia Blichfeldt (Denmark), winning 21-16, 21-18.
- Semifinals: Survived a grueling three-set battle against Sim Yu Jin (Korea), 21-18, 17-21, 21-19, to reach the final.
Upsets and Early Exits:
- Wang Zhi Yi (BWF 3), a top contender from China, was eliminated in the second round by Sim Yu Jin, 26-24, 21-18.
- India’s P.V. Sindhu faced an early exit in the second round, losing to Li Michelle (Canada) in a close match, 21-17, 16-21, 17-21.
Men's Doubles
Champion:
Fajar Alfian & Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Indonesia)
Runner-up:
Takuro Hoki & Yugo Kobayashi (Japan)
Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto of Indonesia emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi. The intense match ended with a scoreline of 21-15, 17-21, 21-17, showcasing their resilience and tactical brilliance.
Key Matches:
Fajar Alfian & Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Indonesia):
- Quarterfinals: Defeated fellow Indonesians Fikri M.S. and Marthin D. in a hard-fought match: 14-21, 21-16, 21-18.
- Semifinals: Overcame another Indonesian pair, Carnando L.R. and Maulana B., with a commanding performance: 21-18, 21-13.
Takuro Hoki & Yugo Kobayashi (Japan):
- Quarterfinals: Secured a nail-biting victory against Jin Y. and Seo S.J. of South Korea, with a dramatic second set: 21-18, 29-27.
- Semifinals: Dominated Azriyn N.M.A.A. and Tan W.K. of Malaysia, finishing strong with 21-12, 21-15.
Women's Doubles
Champion:
Liu Sheng Shu & Tan Ning (China)
Runner-up:
Yuki Fukushima & Mayu Matsumoto (Japan)
The Chinese pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, last year’s runners-up in this tournament, claimed the title in dominant fashion. They defeated Japan’s Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto with an impressive performance, winning in straight sets: 21-15, 21-5.
Key Matches:
Liu Sheng Shu & Tan Ning (China):
- Semifinals: Showed their strength by defeating another strong Japanese pair, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, with a commanding scoreline: 21-12, 21-18
Yuki Fukushima & Mayu Matsumoto (Japan):
- Semifinals: Overpowered the Chinese duo Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min with a clinical performance: 21-15, 21-11.
Mixed Doubles
Champion:
Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Supissara Paewsampran (Thailand)
Runner-up:
Thom Gicquel & Delphine Delrue (France)
Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran triumphed in the Mixed Doubles category with a hard-fought victory over France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue. The match showcased intense rallies and exceptional tactics, ending with a scoreline of 16-21, 21-10, 17-21.
Key Matches:
Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Supissara Paewsampran (Thailand):
- Semifinals: Battled past Malaysia’s Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie in a grueling three-set match: 21-18, 20-22, 14-21. Their composure and adaptability shone in the critical moments.
Thom Gicquel & Delphine Delrue (France):
- Semifinals: Secured a convincing win over China’s Xin Wa Guo and Fang Hui Chen with a dominant performance: 21-14, 21-11.
The tournament delivered exceptional badminton action, with intense battles across all categories.
In Men’s Doubles, Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto emerged victorious, defeating Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi in a thrilling final (21-15, 17-21, 21-17). The Indonesian pair showcased resilience throughout, with hard-fought wins in both the quarterfinals and semifinals against strong compatriots.
In Women’s Doubles, China’s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning dominated the tournament, securing the title with a commanding victory over Japan’s Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto (21-15, 21-5). Their consistent form included a semifinal triumph over Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.
In Mixed Doubles, Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran edged past France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue in a closely contested final (16-21, 21-10, 17-21), following a grueling semifinal against Malaysia’s Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie.
This tournament highlighted skill, strategy, and determination from world-class players.