Top five title favourites in women's singles at Badminton Asia Championships 2025

Top seed Wang Zhiyi will be eyeing her third Badminton Asia Championships title.

The Badminton Asia Championships 2025 promises an intense battle in the women’s singles category, especially with the absence of reigning Olympic champion An Se-young. With the top seeds split in the draw, a new champion could emerge, or a seasoned contender could take advantage of the opportunity.

The 2024 edition saw Wang Zhiyi reclaim her title, defeating Chen Yufei in the final to become a two-time Asian champion. The tournament also saw an upset when top seed An Se-young was knocked out in the quarterfinals by He Bingjiao, who later lost to Wang in the semifinals.

The BAC 2024 was dominated by China, with all four semifinalists being Chinese in the women’s singles category. This makes the 2025 edition even more exciting, as we wait to see whether China’s dominance will continue or if nations like Japan, Indonesia, or India can make their mark in the championships. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the top title favourites.

1. Wang Zhiyi (China)

A two-time Asian champion (2022, 2024), the number 1 seed has established herself as a dominant force in continental badminton. She is also the 2024 World Tour Finals champion. In 2025, she has already reached two major finals at the All England Open and Malaysia Open, though she fell short against An Se-young in both

Her real challenge might begin in the quarterfinals, where she could face Ratchanok Intanon, followed by a semifinal clash against Akane Yamaguchi.

2. Chen Yufei (China)

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Championship medalist is one of the most accomplished players in the draw. Despite her illustrious career, Chen Yufei has yet to win an Asian Championships title. In 2024, she came close but lost in the final to Wang Zhiyi.

However, her recent Swiss Open victory indicates, that she is in top form heading into this event. As an unseeded player, Chen could face Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals, which would be a tough challenge to overcome.

3. Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)

A two-time World Champion (2021, 2022), Akane Yamaguchi is no stranger to success at the highest level. She has won four Asian Championship medals, including a gold in 2019. In 2024, she won two titles (Japan Open, and Japan Masters) and two additional finals.

In the second round, Yamaguchi could face either PV Sindhu or rising Indonesian youngster Ester Wardoyo, both of whom are capable of causing upsets. As one of the most consistent players on tour, Yamaguchi will look to reclaim the Asian crown.

4. Han Yue (China)

A bronze medalist at the 2024 Asian Championships and two-time Arctic Open champion had a strong 2024 season, reaching four finals and winning two titles, including the Hong Kong Open Super 500.

As the second seed, she has a clear path in the bottom half of the draw and stands a strong chance of making the final. However, she might face Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the semifinals, which will be a tough challenge.

5. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (Indonesia)

The Paris Olympic bronze medalist is one of the most dangerous players in the draw. In 2023, she clinched big victories at the Japan Masters (defeating Chen Yufei) and Swiss Masters (defeating PV Sindhu), showcasing her ability to take down top-ranked players. In 2024, she reached two finals, and with her placement in the bottom half of the draw, she has a high chance of reaching the championship match.

With Wang Zhiyi, Chen Yufei, and Akane Yamaguchi battling in the top half of the draw, only one of them will make it to the final. Meanwhile, Han Yue and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung occupy the bottom half, making it likely that one of them will secure a place in the title match.

With An Se-young out, will China continue their dominance, or can Yamaguchi or Tunjung go through? It will also be interesting to see if a major upset happens, with an unexpected player rising to claim the championship.

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