Viktor Axelsen is victorious at the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2023, completing a successful comeback from injury, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung makes history for Indonesia.
Japan has become a happy hunting ground for Viktor Axelsen and today saw him pick up his fifth title of the year, adding to his Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China Opens. However, his opponent certainly made him work for it.
Shi Yu Qi brought a steady, disciplined game which tested Axelsen’s focus and asked the big question; is the Dane is back to his form before the September injury woes? We saw fluctuations in Axelsen’s matches in the week, but in finals, there is always a different look in his eye, and he was able to secure the win, 22-20, 21-17.
Axelsen is on track to make 2023 his most fruitful year on the World Tour yet.
History for Indonesia
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung became the first Indonesian women's singles player to win a World Tour Super 500 or above. She came up short against Akane Yamaguchi earlier this year at the Malaysia Masters.
Today was Tunjung’s day. Not only was this major achievement reached, but she did in style. The Olympic Champion, Chen Yu Fei had no answers, with the match ending 21-12, 21-12.
Chinese doubles dominance
China filled all finalist spots in the doubles. In just their fifth tournament together, He Ji Ting/ Ren Xiang Yu won the title after getting the better of compatriots Liu Yu Chen/ Ou Xuan Yi, 21-14, 15-21, 21-15.
Coming from a game down, Zhang Shu Xian/ Zheng Yu defeated Liu Sheng Shu/ Tan Ning 12-21, 21-12, 21-17 in the women’s doubles.
Lastly, Zheng Si Wei/ Huang Ya Qiong got going after a slow start to pick up their fourth World Tour title in 2023, defeating teammates Feng Yan Zhe/ Huang Dong Ping 25-23, 21-9