Category: Badminton News

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Yonex celebrates the opening of the 24th BWF Badminton World Junior Champions

NANCHANG, JIANGXI, CHINA – Yonex proudly celebrates the opening of the 24th BWF World Junior Championships as the events title sponsor. Held annually, the tournament brings together the best junior badminton players from around the world, offering a platform for young athletes to compete at the highest level and make a name for themselves on the international stage.

This year’s championships takes place from September 30th to October 13th in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China featuring both team and individual competitions. Athletes aged 19 and under will vie for the Suhandinata Cup (team event) and the Eye Level Cups (singles and doubles events). The tournament is a key steppingstone for future stars, with past participants including elite players such as Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) and Viktor Axelsen (DEN), both of whom have gone on to become two-time World Champions in their professional careers.

As the proud title sponsor, Yonex is dedicated to supporting the next generation of badminton stars. With premium on-court equipment and the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, we are committed to elevating the competition and ensuring every match is played at its highest level. Fans worldwide can look forward to seeing the next wave of badminton stars compete and demonstrate the exciting future of the sport.

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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Yonex Celebrates Its Extended Partnership with the Badminton Association of Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia –Yonex and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) commemorated their partnership extension with a day full of celebrations on December 4, 2024. The signing ceremony sealed Yonex’s continued support as the official sponsor of the Malaysia National Badminton Team, keeping the partnership strong through 2028.

Yonex and BAM have shared an incredible journey over the years, from a decade-long partnership that began in 2005 to a renewed collaboration in 2021. With this extended agreement, Yonex is thrilled to support Malaysia’s national players with world-class equipment and expertise. As the official equipment partner for prestigious tournaments like the Malaysia Open and Malaysia Masters, Yonex is proud to contribute to the players’ ongoing success. The valuable insights and performance of these remarkable athletes will continue to inspire and shape Yonex’s future innovations as we advance the sport of badminton together.

The celebrations continued with a special event honoring the achievements of Malaysian players, including the Olympic bronze medalists, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who earned their consecutive medal in Paris. Fans joined in to celebrate through exhibition matches, a Meet and Greet session, and interactive activities, creating unforgettable moments that brought players and supporters closer together.

The day highlighted Yonex’s dedication to fostering excellence in badminton while strengthening the bond between players, fans, and the sport itself. With this extended partnership, Yonex and BAM are poised to drive Malaysian badminton to even greater heights on the world stage.

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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Finishing the Year Strong: Team Yonex Claims 4 Wins at BWF World Tour Finals 2024

HANGZHOU, China–The BWF World Tour Finals 2024 concluded on Sunday, December 15th, marking a memorable end to the tour season. Featuring only the top-ranking players, the tournament celebrated the dedication and achievements of those who reached the final stage. Many Team Yonex athletes displayed their skill and determination, achieving remarkable results across four categories.

The women’s singles final kicked off the day, featuring China’s rising stars, Wang Zhi Yi and Han Yue (CHN). The home crowd was electrified as the two battled through intense rallies and breathtaking shots. Although Han showed great endurance and claimed the first game, Wang’s aggressive play eventually took control of the match. Wang triumphed with a final score of 19-21, 21-19, 21-11.

Subsequently, the mixed doubles final delivered an unforgettable moment for badminton fans. Zheng Si Wei, who announced his retirement from the international tour earlier this month, played his final match alongside Huang Ya Qiong (CHN) against Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei (MAS). In an exciting three-game match, Zheng and Huang showcased their trademark resilience and competitive spirit, ultimately taking control of the game. With a final score of 21-18, 14-21, 21-17, they claimed their fourth World Tour Finals title, marking their third consecutive win at the event – a perfect way to close out Zheng’s remarkable career.

In the women’s doubles final, last year’s runners-up, Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee (KOR), were determined to claim the title this time, facing Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida (JPN). The match saw both pairs showcasing their skill, with the first game staying neck-and-neck until a 19-19 tie. Although Shida and Matsuyama had the lead in the second game, Baek and Lee regained control with powerful, precise play, ultimately securing the victory with a final score of 21-19, 21-14.

The men’s singles final wrapped up the tournament, with Shi Yu Qi (CHN) delivering another impressive performance. With four titles this season, Shi Yu Qi faced Anders Antonsen (DEN) in a swift two-game match. He maintained his momentum with powerful shots, ultimately winning 21-18, 21-14 and claiming his second tournament victory, having previously won the World Tour Finals in 2018.

Yonex is a proud supporter of the world’s best athletes and actively provides the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, as well as premium on-court equipment such as court mats, net poles, and shuttlecocks.

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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A Stellar Start to 2025: Team Yonex’s Powerful Performances at Malaysia Open 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia–The PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 kicked off the World Tour Series with a spectacular conclusion on Sunday, January 12. As one of the most highly attended tournaments, the Axiata Arena was nearly fully packed with passionate spectators, eager to witness world-class badminton. Team Yonex athletes showcased their exceptional skill and determination, achieving remarkable milestones and setting a strong tone for the year by claiming victories in all five categories.

The women’s doubles final kicked off the day with an exciting clash between two newly formed pairs who began their partnerships at the end of 2024. Competing in only their third international tournament together, Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto (JPN) faced four-time champion of BWF World Championship, Jia Yi Fan and her new partner Zhang Shu Xian (CHN). Despite the intense atmosphere and relentless pressure from their opponents, Fukushima and Matsuyama maintained their composure with consistent shots and aggressive play. After a grueling contest—the day’s longest match—they secured their first title together with a final score of 17-21, 21-15, 21-15.

The women’s singles final featured an exciting clash between defending champion An Se Young (KOR) and BWF World Tour Finals 2024 champion Wang Zhi Yi (CHN). While Wang displayed remarkable endurance in the first game, An Se Young’s powerful and commanding play ultimately shifted the momentum in her favor. She claimed her consecutive Malaysia Open title with a decisive 21-17, 21-7 victory—an excellent start to her pursuit of more titles, potentially setting new records this year.

The mixed doubles final also delivered a thrilling three-game contest as newly partnered Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran (THA) faced World No. 1 Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping (CHN). The Thai duo dominated the first game with ease, but Feng and Huang responded with aggressive play to take the second. In a closely fought decider, Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran displayed remarkable composure and resilience, ultimately securing their first Super 1000 title together with a final score of 21-13, 19-21, 21-18. This victory also marked Thailand’s first-ever Malaysia Open mixed doubles title.

The tournament concluded with an action-packed men’s doubles final. Korea’s fresh pairing, Seo Seung Jae and Kim Won Ho (KOR) faced Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi (CHN). The crowd, equally divided in support, cheered passionately for both pairs as they battled through long rallies. Seo and Kim responded with strong defense and counterattacks, dominating the second game and maintaining their momentum in the third. They secured their title with a final score of 19-21, 21-12, 21-12, showcasing the high potential of their partnership, which, while still in its deciding stages, holds promising possibilities for future success.
Yonex is a proud supporter of the world’s best athletes and actively provides the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, as well as premium on-court equipment such as court mats, net poles, and shuttlecocks.

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Tan Pearly smash GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with the fastest badminton hits

Soka, Saitama JAPAN – Yonex is proud to announce that Yonex badminton athletes, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (IND) and Tan Pearly (MAS), have set new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the fastest male and female badminton hits. Since the previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest badminton hit was recorded in May 2013 , this means that Rankireddy broke the record for the first time in more than a decade.

Rankireddy’s smash surpassed the previous GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of 493 km/h (about 306 mph) by 72 km/h (about 45 mph), establishing an astonishing new record for the fastest male badminton hit at 565 km/h (about 351 mph). Tan also set a new record for the fastest female badminton hit with a remarkable speed of 438 km/h (about 272 mph). With this, Tan became the first female GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holder in the category.

These records show that badminton is significantly faster than other ball sports and even Formula One when compared with other fastest speed records in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title (Reference 1). 

Rankireddy and Tan’s world record attempts were achieved on April 14, 2023, and were verified by official judges from the Guinness World Records™ based on the speed measurement results from that day.

Record details:

– Location: Yonex Co., Ltd. Tokyo Factory gymnasium

– Challenging athletes: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (IND), Tan Pearly(MAS)

– Racquet： NANOFLARE 1000 Z

– String: BG80 (Satwiksairaj Rankireddy), EXBOLT 63 (Pearly Tan)

– Shuttlecock: TOURNAMENT

– Measurement method: The moments of impact in the actual smash was captured using a high-speed camera. The instant velocity of the shuttlecock after the impact was then calculated from the photographic recording.

– Calculation method: The movement distance and the elapsed time of the shuttlecock were calculated between two coordinates.

  – Instant velocity was calculated based on distance, time, and speed measurements.

  – The changes in the flying speed of the shuttlecock were visualized using a graph.

1. The new record holders

 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (IND)

Born: August 13, 2000 (age 22)

Height: 184 cm (6 ft 0 in) / right-handed

Highest world ranking: 3 (June 20, 2023)

Main achievements:

2023 Asia Championships Doubles Champion

2022 French Open Doubles Champion

Tan Pearly (MAS)

Born: March 14, 2000 (age 23)

Height: 164 cm (5 ft 5 in) / right-handed

Highest world ranking: 5 (January 31, 2023)

Main achievements:

2022 French Open Doubles Champion

2021 Swiss Open Doubles Champion

2. Approved record in The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title

The fastest badminton hit (male) is 565 km/h (351.07 mph) and was achieved by Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (India) at a gymnasium at Yonex Co., Ltd. Tokyo Factory in Soka, Saitama, Japan, on 14 April 2023.

The fastest badminton hit (female) is 438 km/h (272.16 mph) and was achieved by Tan Pearly (Malaysia) at a gymnasium at Yonex Co., Ltd. Tokyo Factory in Soka, Saitama, Japan, on 14 April 2023.

3. Comparison to other speed GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title

Comparison: Fastest speeds of various sports in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title

Details of the record-breaking Racquet

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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A year of firsts at the YONEX All England 2023

BIRMINGHAM, England– The YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2023 came to an exciting conclusion on Sunday, March the 19th as the world’s best badminton players battled it out in the finals. With a sold-out stadium, the energy could not have been higher. 

 

To start off the day, women’s doubles finalistsKim So YeongandKong Hee Yong (KOR)came in to dominate after a hard-fought win in the semi-finals against world No. 3 andZhang Shu XianandZheng Yu(CHN). The pair competed against fellow compatriotsLee So HeeandBaek Ha Na (KOR)and emerged victorious after a swift two game match. Final score, 21-5, 21-12.

 

Mixed doubles followed soon after in a riveting three game match between world No.1Zheng Si WeiandHuang Ya Qiong (CHN)andSeo Seung JaeandChae Yu Jung (KOR). The pairs battled for the title, but Zheng and Huang would not be deterred from a third YONEX All England title. Final score, 21-16, 16-21, 21-12

 

The women’s singles final was a battle betweenAn Se Young (KOR)andChen Yu Fei (CHN). The three-game match was electric while these two powerhouses vied for the title. In the end An Se Young’s drive for her very first All England title held strong as she claimed the match and became an All England champion. 17-21,21-10, 19-21.

 

The men’s doubles final saw Indonesia’sFajar AlfianandMuhammad Rian Ardianto (INA)take on Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan (INA) in an energetic two game match that had fans chanting along. The match came to a close with 21-17, 21-14.

 

In the men’s singles final,Li Shi Feng (CHN)faced off against compatriotShi Yu Qi (CHN). After a hard-fought first game Li Shi Feng finished strong and claimed his first ever All England title in a two-game match. Final score, 26-24, 21-5.

 

The YONEX All England is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in badminton and has been the stage for many memorable moments for passionate fans and players around the world. This year, Yonex is celebrating 40 special years in partnership with the tournament. Yonex is a proud sponsor and supporter of the tournament since 1984, providing high quality shuttlecocks, court mats and the skills of our talented Yonex Stringing Team.

 

PLAYER EQUIPMENT:

Kim So Yeong | ASTROX 88 D, 66 ULTIMAX, ECLIPSION Z

Kong Hee Yong | ASTROX 88 D, AEROBITE, ECLIPSION Z

Baek Ha Na | ASTROX 88 S, AEROBITE, AERUS Z

Lee So Hee | NANOFLARE 700, AEROBITE, ECLIPSION Z

Zheng Si Wei | ARCSABER 11, AEROBITE, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Huang Ya Qiong | ASTROX 77, EXBOLT 63, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Seo Seung Jae | NANOFLARE 700, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Chae Yu Jung | NANOFLARE 700, BG80, AERUS Z

Chen Yu Fei | ASTROX 77, EXBOLT 63, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

An Se Young | ASTROX 77, BG80, AERUS Z

Fajar Alfian | ASTROX 77, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Rian Ardianto | ASTROX 88 D, AEROBITE BOOST, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Li Shi Feng | ASTROX 100, 66 ULTIMAX, COMFORT Z

Shi Yu Qi | ASTROX 100, BG80 POWER

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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Team Yonex overwhelms at the 2023 YONEX Sunrise India Open

NEW DELHI, India– The YONEX Sunrise India Open 2023 came to a close on Sunday, January 22nd. The recently elevated event moved from a level 500 series to a major 750 series where Team Yonex managed to overwhelm the finals. The tournament ended with some impressive upsets. 

Amongst the Team Yonex line-up, one victory in particular, took fans by surprise. Thailand’s men’s singles,Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA), who came up short againstViktor Axelsen (DEN)at the 2022 World Championships, managed to best men’s singles world No. 1 for the the first time in his career. 22-20, 10-21, 21-12.

In women’s singles, after multiple back-to-back wins, World Tour Finals 2022 championAkane Yamaguchi (JPN)fell toAn Se Young (KOR)in three games. An Se Young who came second to Yamaguchi at the World Tour Super 1000 Malaysia Open 2023 was determined to take the spotlight. 15-21, 21-16, 21-12.

Men’s doublesWang ChangandLiang Wei Keng (CHN)were prepared to show the world they are not to be discounted. After a win at the Japan Open 2022 and placing silver at the Malaysia Open 2023, they were determined to remain on the forefront, defeating World Championships 2022 championsAaron ChiaandSoh Wooi Yik (MAS)in three games. 14-21, 21-19, 21-18.

Yonex is a proud supporter of the world’s best athletes and actively provides the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, as well as premium on-court equipment such as court mats, net poles, and shuttlecocks.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT:

Viktor Axelsen | ASTROX 100, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Kunlavut Vitidsarn | ASTROX 88 D, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Akane Yamaguchi | ASTROX 100, EXBOLT 63, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

An Se Young | ASTROX 77, BG80, AERUS Z

Liang Wei Keng | ASTROX 100, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Wang Chang | ASTROX 88 S, BG80, POWER CUSHION COMFORT Z

Aaron Chia | ARCSABER 11, EXBOLT 65, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Soh Wooi Yik | ASTROX 88 D, BG65 TITANIUM, POWER CUSHION INFINITY

Arisa Higashino | NANOFLARE 700, EXBOLT 63, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Huang Dong Ping | ARCSABER 7, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65

Wang Yi Lyu | ASTROX 88 D, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65

Nami Matsuyama | NANOFLARE 700, NANOGY 95, POWER CUSHION 65

Chiharu Shida | NANOFLARE 800, NANOGY 98, POWER CUSHION 65

Chen Qing Chen | ASTROX 100, AEROBITE, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

Jia Yi Fan | NANOFLARE 800, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z

CONTENT FROM YONEX.COM

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NEW TALENT AT 2022 JAPAN OPEN

NEW TALENT BURSTS FORTH AT THE 2022 JAPAN OPEN

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OSAKA, Japan — The Daihatsu YONEX Japan Open 2022 came to a close on Sunday, September 4th where we saw new talents take the stage and build a name for themselves. More than fresh faces made an appearance at this year’s Japan Open, however. The new ARCSABER 7 made its debut with Dechapol Puavaranukroh (THA) and Gabriela Stoeva (BUL) after its worldwide release in August.

 

Final’s day kicked off with some new energetic faces in the women’s doubles finals. Korean pair Jeong Na Eun and Kim Hye Jeong (KOR) took on Baek Ha Na and Lee Lu Lim (KOR) for an extremely close fought match. Korean pairs played neck and neck throughout both games, but in the end Jeong Na Eun and Kim Hye Jeong claimed their first 750 level major title with a score of 23-21,28-26.

 

Following women’s doubles was the highly anticipated mixed doubles match between 2021 World Champions Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Dechapol Puavaranukroh (THA) and Olympic bronze medalists Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe (JPN). Dechapol Puavaranukroh debuted the brand new ARCSABER 7 alongside partner Sapsiree Taerattanachai, who currently uses the ARCSABER 11. After three intense games the Thai pair claimed the victory with a score of 16-21, 23-21, 21-18.

 

Men’s doubles followed with newly paired Wang Chang and Liang Wei Keng (CHN) facing off against veterans Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (DEN). Wang Chang and Liang Wei Ken started off strong, determined to prove themselves against the older more experienced pair. After three quick games, the young ambitious pair did just that with their first ever world tour title and a victorious score of 21-18, 13-21, 21-17.

 

In women’s singles, World No.1 and recent champion of the 2022 World Championships, Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) matched up against 2021 World Tour Finals champion, An Se Young (KOR) for the last match of the day. With Akane Yamaguchi’s pure focus and the crowd in her corner she could not be matched. In two swift games she claimed victory with a score of 21-9, 21-15 and cemented back-to-back triumphs in her home nation.

 

Yonex is a proud supporter of the world’s best athletes and actively provides the expertise of the Yonex Stringing Team, as well as premium on-court equipment such as court mats, net poles, and shuttlecocks.

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Yonex All England

March 20/2022

BIRMINGHAM, England – The YONEX All England finals were held on March 20 with a packed stadium full of passionate fans and determined finalists. For the second year in a row, Japan took the prestigious event by storm with three strong victories by women’s singles, Akane Yamaguchi (JPN), women’s doubles, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida (JPN) and mixed doubles, Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe (JPN).



World no. 2, Akane Yamaguchi and world no. 4, An Se Young (KOR) kicked off the finals in the highly anticipated women’s singles match-up. Yamaguchi remained calm and steady throughout the match, affording her the focus to wrap it up in just two games. The final score: 21-15, 21-15.



In women’s doubles, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida proved they are a force to be reckoned by making quick work of opponents Zhang Shu Xian and Zheng Yu (CHN) in just two swift games 21-13, 21-9.



Mixed doubles pair, Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe found their rhythm against Olympic Gold medalists, Huang Dong Ping and Wang Yi Lyu (CHN) in two nail-biting games. Higashino and Watanabe’s defense was unbreakable, and their creative attacking style won them a well-deserved victory. The final score: 21-19, 21-19.



Finishing off finals day was Olympic gold medalist, Viktor Axelsen (DEN) facing off against the promising, up-and-coming Lakshya Sen (IND). After Lakshya’s colossal win against Lee Zii Jia (MAS) in the semifinals, fans were excited to see how he would perform against top athlete Viktor Axelsen. After two energy filled games, Viktor claimed his second All England title and proved why he is world no.1. The final score: 21-10, 21-15.

Athlete gear: