Korea Masters Badminton Tournament: Dominance of Korean Champions
Trang Napie
Tue Nov 12 2024
Since its inception in 2007, the Korea Masters badminton tournament has been a stronghold for Korean players. With a history of outstanding performances and fierce competition, the event has witnessed Korean champions reigning supreme. Let's delve into the statistics and highlights of the prestigious tournament.
Out of the 75 gold medals awarded in the 15 seasons of the Korea Masters, only 14 have been claimed by non-Korean players. Champions from countries such as China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong have graced the tournament but have mostly played second fiddle to the Korean dominance.
China stands out as the only country, besides the host nation, to have made it to at least one final in each season since 2017. Foreign players are yet to win the Korea Masters title more than once, but the Chinese Taipei men's doubles pair, Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, seeded second, could potentially break this trend.
Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan have the opportunity to become the first foreign male duo since Korea's Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae in 2010 to clinch consecutive Korea Masters titles if they retain their crown. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Wang Chi-Lin, previous champion in 2019 with Lee Yang, teams up with Chiu Hsiang Chieh this year in a bid for glory.
Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik hold the top seed in a category that has, so far, only seen champions from Korea and Chinese Taipei. The women's competition sees fierce rivalry between Jeong Na Eun and four-time Korea Masters winner Shin Seung Chan, alongside Jung Kyung Eun, aiming to become the second successful duo in the tournament's history.
Chang Ye Na holds the record as the most successful player at Korea Masters, boasting 7 titles. With the exception of 2019, when Japan's Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida claimed victory, Korean women have dominated the women's doubles, winning 14 out of 15 tournaments.
The Korea Masters badminton tournament continues to showcase the prowess of Korean players on their home turf. As we anticipate the upcoming edition, the battle for supremacy promises thrilling contests and potential historic moments. The legacy of Korean champions and the aspirations of international contenders add to the allure of this prestigious event that celebrates the spirit of badminton.