Top 10 shuttlers who ended BWF World Tour trophy drought in 2023

Published at :January 1, 2024 at 7:39 PM

Modified at :February 6, 2024 at 6:05 PM

(Courtesy : Screenshot/BWF YouTube)

HS Prannoy won his first BWF title since his 2017 US Open Grand Prix Gold.

Returning to the winner’s circle in the international badminton circuit (BWF World Tour) after a prolonged drought stands as an indescribable testament to resilience and determination. For top players who face setbacks, injuries, or challenging periods, reclaiming a title represents a triumphant journey of perseverance.

It is a story of relentless dedication, countless hours of hard work, and overcoming mental and physical hurdles. The euphoria of stepping back onto the court, competing fiercely, and emerging victorious resonates deeply, not just as a personal achievement but as a symbol of resilience for the broader badminton community.

It’s a reminder that setbacks are temporary, and with unwavering commitment and belief, the journey back to the pinnacle of success is both humbling and immensely fulfilling.

Shuttlers who halted trophy droughts in BWF World Tour 2023

Kento Momota – Korea Masters

Days since last title: 721 (Indonesia Masters 2021)

Once a world no.1, Kento Momota, faced a confidence crisis, spiraling to the 60th rank. Despite a solitary final appearance at the Malaysia Open in July 2022 since winning the Indonesia Masters in November 2021, this year was marked by eight early exits. However, a triumphant turnaround occurred at Korea Masters, where he emerged victorious without conceding a single game.

Carolina Marin – Orleans Masters

Days since last title: 763 (Swiss Open 2021)

Following her last BWF World Tour title in March 2021, former world champion and Rio Olympics gold medalist, Carolina Marin faced setbacks, losing the 2022 French Open and 2023 Indonesia Masters finals. However, she rebounded with gold at two European Championships (2021, 2022) and the 2023 European Games before securing victory in Orleans Masters in April.

Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen – Canada Open

Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen won the Canada Open 2023 men’s doubles title (Courtesy: Screenshot/BWF YouTube)

Days since last title: 854 (Swiss Open 2021)

In Basel, the Danes savored their previous triumph. Following a couple of lackluster seasons and only two final appearances, the European Games gold win in Poland ignited Astrup/Rasmussen. Subsequently, they triumphed in the Hong Kong Open, Arctic Open, and French Open, securing a World Championships silver in between. Furthermore, they progressed to the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals.

Anders Antonsen – Korea Open

Days since last title: 903 (World Tour Finals 2020)

Injuries plagued the former world no.2, Anders Antonsen, yet when he faced against fourth seed Loh Kean Yew at Korea Open, Antonsen seized the opportunity. Overcoming a deficit, he clinched victory with an 11-21 21-11 21-19 scoreline. His earlier journey to the Singapore Open final in June hinted at the impending success.

Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin – Japan Open

Days since last title: 910 (World Tour Finals 2020)

Despite securing Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin hadn’t claimed a World Tour victory since January 2021. Returning to the city of their remarkable Olympic triumph after 23 events without a title, the Chinese Taipei duo triumphed, defeating top seeds Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and third seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty on their path to the Japanese crown.

Indian Sports Live Coverage on Khel Now

Nozomi Okuhara – Syed Modi India International

Days since last title: 987 (All England 2021)

It took until the final month of 2023 for Okuhara to reach her first final since claiming the All England title in March 2021. The 2017 world champion clinched a tight first game in Lucknow against Line Kjaersfeldt and then raised her game in the second, securing victory with a 21-19, 21-16 scoreline.

Pornpawee Chochuwong – Swiss Open

Days since last title: 1,127 (Spain Masters 2020)

Chochuwong ended a three-year wait for a World Tour crown by defeating Mia Blichfeldt in straight games. Her previous victory at the Spain Masters in February 2020, her sole other title, also came against a European player – the hometown favorite Carolina Marin.

Ng Ka Long Angus – German Open

Days since last title: 1,141 (Thailand Masters 2020)

In March, Ng Ka Long Angus ended another three-year drought by reclaiming victory in Mulheim. Despite a close first-game loss and an ankle injury, he battled back into the final, clinching a hard-fought win against Li Shi Feng with a 20-22 21-18 21-18 scoreline. Post-match, he expressed his emotions, stating, “I can’t express my feelings, but I’m happy.”

Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet – Hylo Open

Days since last title: 1,442 (Korea Masters 2019)

In November, Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet from Hong Kong finally reaped rewards of their four-year perseverance in Saarbrucken. They clinched victory against Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati, securing their first winners’ medal since the Korea Masters in 2019.

Beiwen Zhang – Australian Open

Days since last title: 2,009 (India Open 2018)

The most prolonged wait on this list, yet perhaps the most inspiring, was Beiwen Zhang’s triumph. Her first World Tour title in five years arrived on the second anniversary of her Achilles surgery at Tokyo 2020. After an eight-month recovery, she returned to action. Speaking in Sydney, the 33-year-old expressed, “I’m deeply moved because today marks exactly two years since my surgery. I’m overwhelmed with emotions right now.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram