Fajar and Fikri Upset World No. 1 Pair to Win Japan Open
Jakarta. Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri defeated the world's top-ranked men's doubles pair, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae of South Korea, in straight games on Sunday to win the Japan Open title in Tokyo.
The Indonesians prevailed 21-19, 21-17 after producing a composed performance to counter the Koreans' aggressive style of play.
The second game remained evenly contested until the score was tied at 17-17, before Fajar and Fikri won four consecutive points to seal the championship.
It was the pair's first title of 2026, improving on their runner-up finish at the Singapore Open, which had been their best result of the season.
The victory also marked a strong rebound for Fajar, currently ranked world No. 5 in men's doubles, after he suffered a first-round exit at the Indonesia Open earlier this year.
Elsewhere, France's Christo Popov upset Japan's Koki Watanabe 21-11, 21-19 to win the men's singles title.
South Korea's Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong captured the women's doubles crown by defeating China's Zhang Shu Xian and Jia Yi Fan 14-21, 21-15, 30-29 in a thrilling three-game final, avenging their defeat to the same opponents in the 2025 China Masters final.
In women's singles, India's PV Sindhu upset home favorite Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to claim the title.
China's Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping completed the tournament by winning the mixed doubles title with a 21-14, 14-21, 21-15 victory over Hong Kong's Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet.
Tags: Keywords:
as a preferred
Related Articles
Fajar, Fikri Win Denmark Open as An Se-young Surpasses Susi Susanti's Title Record
An Se-young secured her 47th international singles title and moved one ahead of Indonesian badminton legend Susi Susanti.
Indonesia End 28-Year Wait for Asian Games Men’s Badminton Gold
Indonesia rally from 0-2 down to beat China 3-2 and win their first Asian Games men’s team badminton gold since 1998.
Indonesia Pulls 16 Players from China Masters ahead of Asian Games
Indonesia withdrew 16 badminton players from the China Masters to prioritize recovery and training for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Jonatan Christie Reaches World No. 1 without Winning a Title in 2026
Jonatan Christie is Indonesia’s first men’s singles world No. 1 in 26 years despite having yet to win a major title in 2026.
Fajar, Fikri Defend China Open Title for Second Crown in a Week
Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri won back-to-back Super 1000 titles after defeating the world's top-ranked pair again.
Fajar and Fikri Upset World No. 1 Pair to Win Japan Open
The Indonesians prevailed 21-19, 21-17 after producing a composed performance to counter the Koreans' aggressive style of play.
Indonesia Secures Men’s Doubles Final Spot at Indonesia Open 2026
Sabar/Reza defeat China's Chen/Liu to reach the Indonesia Open semifinals, guaranteeing the hosts a men's doubles finalist.
Indonesia Open 2026 Brings World’s Top Badminton Stars to Jakarta
Indonesia Open 2026 brings 248 players from 22 countries to Jakarta, with the world's top shuttlers competing for $1.45 million.The Latest
Ye Concert, Other Events to Draw 130,000 to GBK, Here’s What to Know
Around 130,000 visitors are expected at Jakarta’s GBK on Saturday as Ye’s concert and several major events take place.
Indonesia Allocates Rp 722 Billion for Year-End Flight Ticket Tax Relief
Indonesia allocates Rp 722 billion to cover domestic flight ticket VAT during the 2026/2027 Christmas and New Year holidays.
Greece Floats Shipbuilding Partnership with Indonesia
Greece says that it possesses “extensive expertise” as it woos Indonesia in shipbuilding partnership.
Indonesian Stocks Rally 4.9%, but Foreign Investors Keep Selling
Indonesia’s JCI rose 4.9% last week, but foreign selling and MSCI downgrade risks continue to cloud the market outlook.
Ye Concert in Jakarta to Deploy 2,000 Security Personnel
More than 2,000 personnel will secure Ye’s Jakarta concert on Saturday, as organizers urge fans to use public transport.Most Popular
