China will be chasing a record 14th title, while Korea aims for their fifth Sudirman Cup victory. China’s dominant 3-0 win over Japan in the semi-finals of the BWF Sudirman Cup 2025 made a powerful statement. In the 2023 edition, China nearly stumbled against Japan in the semi-finals, needing to save four match points in a crucial fourth match. But today, in the same stage and with many of the same players, the defending champions never had to worry about the slightest chance of an upset.
The message was clear: relentless progress. In the previous edition, Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping had been defeated in the opening mixed doubles match in a nail-biting finish; this time, however, they were unstoppable, defeating Hiroki Midorikawa and Arisa Igarashi with ease.
Team đ¨đŗ is through to the final!#SudirmanCupFinals #Xiamen2025 pic.twitter.com/OsvXrgptxj
— BWF (@bwfmedia) May 3, 2025
China Dominates to Set Up Sudirman Cup Final Showdown
The baton was handed to Shi Yu Qi, and China surged ahead. Kodai Naraoka initially struggled in the first game against Shi Yu Qi but put up a stronger fight as the match continued. However, Shi had more than enough in reserve, accelerating midway through the second game to give China a 2-0 lead.
Next, Chen Yu Fei faced Akane Yamaguchi. In the last Sudirman Cup, Yamaguchi had delivered a crucial blow for Japan, winning in straight games. Since then, their encounters had been a back-and-forth battle, with Chen prevailing in straight games in their last two meetings.
YSudirman Cup amaguchi fought hard in the opening game, using her blistering pace to keep Japan’s hopes alive. As the match progressed, however, Chen’s unwavering consistency forced Yamaguchi to scramble to keep the shuttle in play. Despite her incredible athleticism and retrieval skills that wowed the crowd, she often fell just short.
With this victory, China advances to their 16th consecutive final, having won 13 of the last 15 titles, with only Korea denying them on two occasions. Tomorrow, they will aim for a record-extending 14th Sudirman Cup title.
âI felt that Akaneâs pace was very high in the first game, and she consumed a lot of energy,â said Chen. âAfter we changed ends, she was against the drift, making it harder for her. We both tried to restrict each otherâs play.”
“I’m very glad about the result, but the tournament isnât over. The most important thing for me â although I donât know if Iâll play in the next match â is to ensure I’m in the best condition and mental state to prepare for the final.”
