Hats off and congratulations to Akane Yamaguchi capturing back-to-back top tier titles, one of the few who can do so in recent years. A remarkable feat, indeed.
"The BWF regularly organises seven major international badminton events and one event for para-badminton: • Olympic Games in co-operation with International Olympic Committee • World Championships • World Junior Championships • Para-Badminton World Championships • Thomas Cup • Uber Cup • Sudirman Cup • World Senior Championships"
player may lose the match and still win thomas or uber or sudirman cup winning majors without winning the match that is laughable
The Minions lives up to their WR1 billing, winning back-to-back tournaments. All they need to do is to land a major title to round it up. Hope it doesn't prove evasive to them.
Duhh obviously its not BWF that hold AsianGames. They wont have the money.. but yes, AsianGames is major tournament. Those who said minions havent won majors is obviously, jealous of their achievements. AllEngland is oldest tournament ala Wimbledon so obviously its the most prestigious. If you want to count majors that way, then why dont just play for Olympic. Then i dont think tournament that is held every year is Major for that matter.
Or without playing a single match. I think some of Lin Dan team event victories are like that, he was scheduled for third singles match that never happened. Or you can be best player in the world but have no chance to win team event, for example Carolina Marin.
of course id rather be Marin. What stupid thinking is that, bAdminton is individual sports, why need other people to depend on if you can succeed for yourself. You can win all the team event and still be poor and unrecognised.
JAPAN REIGNS SINGLES TROPHY As predicted earlier Akane Yamaguchi is on the top, winning back to back BWF top-tier tournament, defeating Nozomi Okuhara in two straight-games in battle of endurance and accuracy, 21-13 / 21-15. Yamaguchi did better to balance Okuhara long rallies and waiting to intercept or smash at right time. 22 years old starlet retains 2013 title when she soared into lime light for the first time then transforming into the formidable player currently. King Kento defends his men's singles crown, controlling the rally, excellent strokes and full of confident to crush Christie who looks frustrated in second game, commiting lots of unforced errors. The Indonesian idol needs to improve mental strength and focus instead of rushing to unleash hard smashes that backfire him. Momota has emotional moment, crying at interview session, he has huge pressure to deliver in Tokyo 2020. No doubt Anthony Ginting is the toughest foe during this tournament for Momota, no wonder the world champion was so expressive when celebrated quarterfinal victory two days ago. MINIONS HAT-TRICK, CHINA, KOREA ONE Kim/Kong combination outclass home favourites Matsumoto/Nagahara with fast attacking shots all around, what a tip top performance by the Koreans, their hard smashes and quick block in front of the net remind us with China famous WD, Wang/Yu in their heyday. Practically, the Japanese duo couldn't counter attack and under pressure in entire duel. The last time KOR pair won JPN Open title were 2004 through Ra Kyung Min/Lee Kyung Won, the latter is Kim/Kong coach alongside with legendary double specialist Kim Moon Soo. Once again, Jordan/Oktavianti falter to Wang/Huang, this time with better resistance but still they're too easy to give free points at crucial situation, Oktavianti should increase her speed and movement, always being the target by the Chinese. Second JPN Open title for Wang/Huang after 2017 edition and continue China domination in mixed doubles category. Same ending for Ahsan/Setiawan, manage runner-up once again, lost to compatriots and clear favourites Gideon/Sukamuljo who creating hat-trick. The veterans had chance to force rubber games but too bad the Minions are back to set up attacking mode and seal the match, 21-18 / 23-21. Basel 2019 will be Minions big target towards Tokyo 2020, on paper they should prevail with current condition but nothing is certain in sport. The tour will move to Bangkok, last tournament for elite players before heading to Switzerland for the much awaited World Champs.
I think LeeYongDae already won AllEngland. Think he is more successful than Kevin, its up to Kevin to live to his standards of consistencies to be the best MD player of all time and that is 36 SS titles.
Everyone has their opinion, but BWF clearly states what they consider as major events. Asian games are just a regional event, like European championships. Some of the very best players are not allowed to participate because they happen to have wrong passport. I don't understand the point that older is more prestigious either. People in general don't remember or care how many All England championships Lin Dan or Lee Chong Wei won, instead their world championships are counted. When Lin Dan is introduced they say "2 time olympic champion, 5 time world champion" instead of "6 time All England champion". Why could it be? Maybe some tournaments are more prestigious than others?
Olympic Games and World Championships for badminton are the dream title for every badminton player, no one doubt about this fact.
