King Cup International Badminton Open 2025: Updated Schedule, fixtures, results & live streaming details

The King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 will witness Kento Momota’s return.

The King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 is set to bring elite-level action to Shenzhen, China, from December 26 to 28, with a compact but high-quality invitational lineup that has already generated global attention.

While the tournament features only eight players in a knockout format, the spotlight firmly rests on one name, Kento Momota.

Former world No. 1 Kento Momota will make a surprise return to competitive badminton at the King Cup, nearly a year after announcing his retirement following the 2024 Thomas Cup.

The two-time world champion had earlier hinted at a possible comeback during the Penang Badminton Association’s centenary celebrations, but the King Cup marks his first confirmed appearance since stepping away from the sport.

Momota’s career remains one of modern badminton’s most dramatic arcs. After an extraordinary 2019 season, where he won a record 11 titles, his momentum was severely disrupted by a road accident following the 2020 Malaysia Masters.

The incident affected his vision, led to recurring injuries, and eventually forced him to retire at just 29 years of age.

Also Read: King Cup International Badminton Open 2025: Live streaming, TV channel, where & how to watch?

Now 31, and having undergone back surgery earlier this year, the King Cup could offer the clearest indication yet of whether this is a one-off appearance, or the beginning of a fuller return to the BWF circuit.

Strong field despite compact format

Momota will not find the path easy in Shenzhen. The eight-man draw features some of the world’s most consistent performers, led by world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, who will enjoy home support in China.

Also in the lineup is Anders Antonsen (world No. 3), alongside Jonatan Christie (world No. 5), one of Indonesia’s most reliable big-match players.

France’s rising star Alex Lanier (world No. 7), Jason Teh of Singapore, and Victor Lai of Canada bring depth to the field. Completing the lineup is Liu Yang Ming Yu, China’s reigning world junior champion, who will be keen to test himself against senior elite opposition.

With no group stages and every match being a knockout, the margin for error will be razor-thin.

Tournament format

The King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 will follow a straight knockout format, with all matches played across three days.

• Total players: 8
• Format: Knockout
• Events: Men’s Singles only

When will King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 begin?

The tournament will be held from December 26 to December 28, 2025.

Where will King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 be held?

The event will take place in Shenzhen, China, just like in 2024.

King Cup International Badminton Open 2025 schedule

• Quarter-finals: December 26
• Semi-finals: December 27
• Final: December 28

Players to watch at King Cup International Badminton Open 2025

• Shi Yu Qi (China) – World No. 1
• Anders Antonsen (Denmark) – World No. 3
• Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) – World No. 5
• Alex Lanier (France) – World No. 7
• Kento Momota (Japan) – Two-time World Champion
• Jason Teh (Singapore)
• Victor Lai (Canada)
• Liu Yang Ming Yu (China) – World Junior Champion

Where and how to watch live streaming of King Cup International Badminton Open 2025?

Live streaming and broadcast details are expected to be announced closer to the tournament. Depending on territorial rights, the matches may be streamed on official tournament platforms or the BWF YouTube channel.

Live scores can be followed on the BWF official website.

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