Friday, 20 Sep 2024

Carnegiecentre: Celebrating Victories and Promising Starts

News | BWF World Tour

Their joy was contagious. Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara couldn’t contain their excitement after securing victory in the women’s doubles final at the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2024. It had been almost three years since they last clinched a title, making this win all the more exhilarating. The smiles on their faces persisted long after they had left the court.

But Matsumoto and Nagahara were not the only ones breaking dry spells that day. Shi Yu Qi’s last triumph was over a year ago, and Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai had experienced an inconsistent year in 2023. Their victories in the India Open signaled a promising start to an Olympic year and a reaffirmation of their winning abilities.

Matsumoto and Nagahara, two-time world champions, had not tasted success since the COVID-affected All England in March 2021. They dominated their opponents, Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu, in an impressive 21-12 21-13 victory lasting 51 minutes. This win held special significance as most of the top pairs were present, unlike their previous triumphs.

Reflecting on their journey, Matsumoto shared, “Even the All England that we won in 2021 didn’t have all the top pairs due to COVID. This time, since most of the top pairs were here, this was extremely satisfying.” Nagahara added, “In the past events, we did well, but we were not able to win finals. We could go to the semifinals or finals, but we couldn’t win. This time we could win, so this is a big achievement.”

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Tour

For Shi Yu Qi, the victory brought relief after a challenging period that saw him lose five finals. The road to success was not easy, as he faced tough competition from Lee Cheuk Yiu. The Chinese player emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle, with a final score of 23-21 21-17.

Acknowledging the significance of his win, Shi, ranked No.2 in the world, expressed, “It has been challenging. Last year was tough, and now this is my second tournament in two weeks after the Malaysia Open. To win the gold means a lot.”

The India Open victories brought a renewed sense of confidence and excitement to these players. It marked a promising start to an Olympic year and showcased their determination to reach new heights. With the support of their coaches and their own unwavering belief, these athletes have set the stage for a remarkable season ahead.

FAQs

1. How long had it been since Matsumoto and Nagahara last won a title?
It had been nearly three years since their last victory before the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2024.

2. What made the India Open victories significant for Matsumoto and Nagahara?
The presence of most top pairs in the tournament made their win at the India Open particularly satisfying, unlike their previous victories.

3. How did Shi Yu Qi feel after his long-awaited win?
Shi Yu Qi expressed his relief and joy after emerging victorious in the India Open. It had been a challenging period for him, having lost five finals in the past.

Conclusion

The India Open 2024 marked a turning point for several badminton players, including Mayu Matsumoto, Wakana Nagahara, Shi Yu Qi, Dechapol Puavaranukroh, and Sapsiree Taerattanachai. Their triumphs brought them joy, relief, and renewed confidence as they embark on an exciting journey in an Olympic year. These victories serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF Sudirman Cup