Welcome to All England winner club for Akane Yamaguchi, her outstanding performance outmaneuvered An SY who twist and turn chasing the shuttlecock rotation, the Japanese completes her fine skill with inventing more strokes variation to wow her familiar foe as she has realized An SY is very alert with usual basic game so she needed to present new style to confuse her opponent. Both players have fantastic net play and tenacity to retrieve shuttlecock that inviting thrilling sensation for badminton fans. Korean gem is more and more mature on her game, she's one of potential candidates for upcoming major events that will be culminated at Paris 2024.
An anticlimax men's singles final presents Viktor Axelsen reclaims All England crown, on comfort zone to play his favorite shots and tactic, smash after smash that supported by good netshot and proper defense, only little interrupted by Indian rising star Lakshya Sen who had no room to implant another plan to move the Olympic Champion corner to corner. Still, excellent run for Sen who reached back to back finals, a stepping stone to pursue his bigger achievement next. Like or dislike Viktor Axelsen proves his wonderful consistency since early last year, a very tough task to do even in this less competitive MS era compare than Lin-Lee dominating period.
INA never stop to produce new star in MD category, what a huge accomplishment for Fikri/Maulana , a fairy-tale ending for the unseeded combination to beat world number 3, 2 , 1 in a row and scored huge achievement. The fearless duo overpower illustrious seniors Ahsan/Setiawan with their signature fast and furious game at front area, Fikri is so talented to execute intricating net shots, an effective and quick way to earn point. The Daddies led briefly in early stage of second game before Ahsan got medical treatment for his calf injury then former champions had no answer to contend with eagerly younger compatriots.
Third Japanese women's doubles pair standing on All England highest podium, this time Mastuyama/Shida who served really entertaining show than usually boring marathon rallies to watch. They redefine style of play, more pro-active and variation on attacking shot to strengthen their solid defense, overall have tremendous development in all departments. Being All England runner-up is a bonus for Chinese new combination Zhang/Zheng, the gap is wide open to catch up with world beaters, Zhang Shuxian needs a better partner than the error-proned and clumsy Zheng Yu.
Mixed doubles close contest saw Watanabe/Higashino denied the Olympic Champions in their third attempts, Higashino was way better than the passive Huang DP, the Chinese pair experienced declining on their quality of play in terms of speed, persistence and desire to win. The Japanese won mental game, contrary with their opponent who looked uncomfortable in crucial stages.
Japan players celebrate three titles in Bimingham while arch-rival China swallow another titleless after 2020 edition, SUI Open will be underway this week.
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