Shocking Upsets at Korea Open 2024 as Japan Open 2024 Champions Fall in First Round
Leon To
Sat Aug 31 2024
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The first round of Korea Open 2024 turned into a nightmare for the reigning champions from Japan Open 2024. Multiple Japanese champions faced early exits, causing shockwaves in the badminton world.
In the women's singles event, Japan's top seed Akane Yamaguchi suffered a stunning defeat in the first round of Korea Open 2024. Having recently clinched the Japan Open title, Yamaguchi fell to Hong Kong China's Lo Sin Yan Happy with a scoreline of 17-21, 18-21. Another Japan Open 2024 champion, Alex Lanier from France, met a similar fate in the men's singles category. Lanier, who made headlines with his Japan Open triumph, was outplayed by Hong Kong China's Ng Ka Long Angus in a hard-fought match that ended 20-22, 21-14, 21-23.
The woes extended to the men's doubles event as well, with Japan Open 2024 champions Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin from Malaysia being eliminated in the first round by Malaysian compatriots Choong Hon Jian and Muhammad Haikal. The match concluded with a score of 21-13, 16-21, 16-21, ending Goh/Izzuddin's run at Korea Open 2024.
The misfortune wasn't limited to the Japanese contingent as all representatives from India failed to progress to the second round in any event category. This rare occurrence highlighted the challenges faced by Indian badminton players despite none of them participating in the recent Olympic Paris 2024. Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, Ashmita Chaliha, along with Ayush Raj Gupta and Sruti Swain, all succumbed to defeats in their respective matches.
The unexpected defeats of Japan Open 2024 champions and the struggles of Indian players at Korea Open 2024 have reshuffled the landscape of international badminton, showcasing the unpredictability and competitiveness of the sport at the highest level.