Sudirman Cup 2025: China demolish Japan, South Korea edge Indonesia to setup finale meeting

China will aim for a record 14th title while Korea could win their fifth Sudirman Cup title.

China’s 3-0 rout of Japan in the semi-finals of the BWF Sudirman Cup 2025 was a statement. At the last edition in 2023, China were nearly tripped by Japan in the semi-finals, having to overcome four match points in a tie-defining fourth match. Today, at the same stage and with many of the same protagonists, the defending champions never had to contemplate even the remotest possibility of an upset.

The statement was of unceasing improvement. At the last edition, Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping had lost the opening mixed doubles in a tight end game; this time they were unstoppable against Hiroki Midorikawa/Arisa Igarashi.

The baton was handed to Shi Yu Qi and China continued to race away. Kodai Naraoka fell behind in the first game against Shi Yu Qi, but as the match progressed, he did put up a fight. Nevertheless, Shi had plenty in reserve to step on the gas midway through the second to make it 2-0 for China.

That set the stage for Chen Yu Fei against Akane Yamaguchi. At the last Sudirman Cup Yamaguchi had delivered the second blow for Japan, cantering through in straight games. Since then, their contests have swung one way and then the other, with Chen Yu Fei having prevailed in straight games in their last two matches.

Also Read: Sudirman Cup 2025 Semi-finals Highlights

Yamaguchi kept alive Japan’s hopes with her electric pace in the opening game. As the match wore on, and with Chen’s unflagging consistency, the Japanese was having to scramble to keep the shuttle alive. Despite her astonishing athleticism and retrieval skills that brought gasps from the crowd, she was often fractionally short.

China are in their 16th straight final. They have won 13 of the last 15; only Korea has denied them on two occasions. Tomorrow they will seek a record-extending 14th title.

“I did feel that Akane’s pace was very high in the first game and she consumed a lot of energy,” said Chen. “After we changed ends, she was against the drift, and so it was harder for her. We tried to restrict each other’s play.

“I’m very glad about the result but the tournament hasn’t finished. The most important thing for me – although I don’t know if I’ll play the next match – is that I have to ensure my best condition and have the best mental state to prepare for the final.

“For the final, it’s important for me to be confident in myself. Both teams will be under pressure.”

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