World No.62 Yudai Okimoto delivered a career-defining performance at the IKSAN VICTOR Korea Masters 2025, advancing to his first HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 final. The Japanese shuttler, who entered the main draw through qualification, stunned second seed Victor Lai in straight games to secure his place in Sunday’s championship match.
Okimoto has been one of the most consistent performers on the lower circuit this season. The 23-year-old already appeared in three finals earlier this year — winning the Northern Marianas Open (International Series), finishing runner-up at the Saipan International (International Challenge), and reaching the final of the ALLIANZ Malaysia Super 100. His impressive run in Korea included victories over fifth seed Justin Hoh in the opening round and Jeon Hyeok Jin in the quarterfinals before his semifinal triumph against World Championships bronze medallist Victor Lai.
Standing between Okimoto and his first Super 300 crown is top seed Jia Heng Jason Teh of Singapore, who defeated Japan’s Shogo Ogawa 21-12, 21-18 in the other semifinal. The upcoming final promises to be an intense battle between two rising talents eager to make their mark on the World Tour stage.
In the women’s singles, top seed Chiu Pin-Chian from Chinese Taipei reached her first final in 19 months after a determined 19-21, 21-19, 21-8 victory over Indonesia’s Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi. Chiu’s last final appearance came at the Ruichang China Masters (Super 100) in March 2024. She will face second seed Nguyen Thuy Linh from Vietnam, who is chasing her first title of 2025 after finishing runner-up in Canada, Germany, and Vietnam earlier this season.
Host nation Korea will feature in all three doubles finals, maintaining strong representation on home soil. In the mixed doubles, Kim Jae Hyeon and Jeong Na Eun will battle Malaysia’s Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing for the title.
The women’s doubles final will see veterans Kim So Yeong and Lee Seo Jin take on Japan’s sixth seeds Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita. Meanwhile, in men’s doubles, Lee Jong Min and Wang Chan overcame compatriots Jin Yong and Na Sung Seung to secure a title clash against Indonesia’s Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin.
The Korea Masters 2025 has already proven to be a tournament full of surprises, emerging talents, and thrilling performances. With both singles finals set to showcase youth and determination, badminton fans can expect an electrifying conclusion to this year’s Super 300 event.
