Badminton’s most prestigious competition, the BWF World Tour Finals, celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. In this article, we’ll explore some fascinating facts about this Super 1000 event. From its early days to the present, we’ll discover the records, achievements, and notable moments that have shaped the tournament’s history. So, let’s dive in and explore the rich legacy of the BWF World Tour Finals.
General Facts
- The inaugural edition of the tournament took place in 1899, featuring only doubles events. Singles events were introduced a year later.
- Sir George Thomas holds the record for the most championships won, with an impressive total of 21 titles across various categories.
- Frank Devlin, an Irishman, became the earliest non-English winner. He won the men’s doubles event in 1922 and continued his success with 17 more victories.
- Rudy Hartono, an Indonesian men’s singles icon, holds the record for the most consecutive titles, winning seven championships from 1968 to 1974.
- American Judy Devlin has the most singles crowns, with a remarkable ten victories.
Open Era (1980 Onward)
- Gao Ling, a doubles legend, is the most decorated player with 11 wins.
- Li Yongbo and Tian Bingyi are the last men’s pair to have won the tournament three times, triumphing in 1987, 1988, and 1991.
- Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan have the opportunity to equal their achievements, having won in 2014 and 2019.
- Despite Indonesia’s strong badminton tradition, they haven’t produced a men’s singles champion in 30 years. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting is their main hope in 2024.
- China has the longest drought in men’s doubles, not winning the event since 2013. This time, they have two seeded pairs, Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang (2) and Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi (8).
- Malaysia, on the other hand, hasn’t had success in the men’s doubles discipline since 2007 when Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong emerged victorious.
- Malaysia’s best chance of ending this drought lies with fifth-seeded 2022 world champions Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik.
- China achieved a clean sweep in 2009, ending Denmark’s record that had stood since 1948. They are one of two countries, along with Japan, to have seeds in all five events.
- Li Shi Feng aims to become the first back-to-back men’s singles champion since Lee Chong Wei in 2011, marking the longest category without a title defense.
- A win for Li will bring China’s total men’s singles titles to 22, tying them with Denmark for second place.
- Tai Tzu Ying, the women’s singles third seed, could become the first player to achieve four victories since Malaysian icon Lee in 2017.
- Tai is also the last player in her discipline to win consecutively, achieving the feat in 2017-2018. Top seed An Se Young aims to match her success.
- Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong can become the first Korean women’s doubles pair in 30 years to retain their title, following Chung So Young and Gil Young Ah’s victory in 1994.
- Yuta Watanabe, with two men’s doubles and three mixed doubles gold medals, has the opportunity to reach the top step of the podium for the sixth time. The last player to achieve this feat was the legendary Lin Dan in 2016.
- World No.1s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are the only top seeds who haven’t won the tournament before.
- India is still waiting for success in categories other than men’s singles, where H.S Prannoy is the seventh seed. Their last victory came in 2001 when Pullela Gopichand won the championship.
- Since Gopichand’s win, only players from Malaysia, China, Japan, and Denmark have triumphed in the tournament.
- Women’s doubles champions from countries outside Korea, China, Denmark, and Japan date back to 1981 when Nora Perry and Jane Webster of England claimed the title.
- The eight seeded pairs in this year’s tournament represent three different flags: Korea, China, and Japan.
- Thailand (men’s singles and mixed doubles) and Hong Kong China (mixed doubles) are nations with seeded entries still waiting for their maiden All England titlist(s).
- Among former winners in the draw, Carolina Marin has the longest wait for a second crown since her initial victory in 2015.
- Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms remain the last British shuttlers to win the tournament, claiming the mixed doubles title in 2005.
Standout Stat: In the 18 tournaments following Robertson/Emms’ victory, only pairs from China, Japan, and Indonesia have won the mixed doubles event.
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FAQs
Q1: When did the BWF World Tour Finals start?
The BWF World Tour Finals began in 1899 with doubles events. Singles events were introduced a year later.
Q2: Who is the most successful athlete in the history of the tournament?
Sir George Thomas holds the record for the most championships won, with an impressive total of 21 titles across various categories.
Q3: Who holds the record for the most consecutive titles?
Rudy Hartono, an Indonesian men’s singles icon, holds the record for the most consecutive titles, winning seven championships from 1968 to 1974.
Q4: Which country has the longest drought in the men’s singles event?
Indonesia has not produced a men’s singles champion in 30 years. Anthony Sinisuka Ginting is their main hope in 2024.
Q5: Can China achieve a clean sweep in this year’s tournament?
China achieved a clean sweep in 2009, ending Denmark’s record that had stood since 1948. They are one of two countries, along with Japan, to have seeds in all five events.
Summary
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The BWF World Tour Finals, celebrating its 125th anniversary, is one of badminton’s most prestigious competitions. From its humble beginnings in 1899 to the present day, this tournament has witnessed remarkable records, legendary athletes, and unforgettable moments. As fans eagerly anticipate this year’s edition, we reflect on the history and achievements that have shaped the tournament’s legacy. Join us in celebrating the rich heritage of the BWF World Tour Finals and witness the next chapter in this storied event.
For more information and updates on the BWF World Tour Finals, visit Carnegiecentre.com.
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