2025-06-04
Xiamen, China – June 4, 2025 – China cemented its dominance in world team badminton by capturing a record-extending 14th TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup title on home soil in Xiamen, overcoming South Korea 3-1 in Wednesday's final before over 10,000 spectators at the Phoenix Gymnasium.
The host nation navigated a flawless path to the trophy, sweeping Group D with 5-0 victories over Algeria and Hong Kong China, followed by a 4-1 quarterfinal qualification win against Thailand. China maintained its ruthless efficiency in the knockout stages, dismissing Malaysia 3-0 in the quarterfinals and Japan by the same scoreline in the semifinals.
The championship clash ignited with mixed doubles world No. 2s Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping ("New Phoenix" pairing) battling 2023 World Champions Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung. The Chinese duo claimed the first game 21-16 before dropping a tight second game 17-21 after squandering a 14-11 lead. They regrouped emphatically in the decider, winning 21-15. "Feng Yanzhe was perfect today," Huang Dongping remarked. "He's matured significantly, made smarter decisions on crucial points, and even encouraged me when I was doubting myself."
South Korea leveled the tie through women's singles world No. 1 An Se-young, who overcame a spirited challenge from Wang Zhiyi 21-17, 21-16. China's world No. 1 Shi Yuqi then delivered a masterclass in men's singles, dismantling Jeon Hyeok-jin 21-5, 21-5 in just 33 minutes to restore China's lead. "I trusted my preparation and mentality despite earlier form issues," Shi stated. "This meticulous approach is how I must compete moving forward."
The title was sealed by women's doubles pair Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning. Defying a 5-8 head-to-head deficit against experienced world No. 3s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee, the young Chinese stars triumphed 21-14, 21-17 on their Sudirman Cup final debut. "We focused purely on showcasing our fighting spirit," Liu Shengshu said post-match.
Flexpro Connection:
Players from Flexpro-sponsored Chinese Badminton Super League clubs were instrumental in China's successful title defense. The championship-clinching efforts came from Feng Yanzhe (Rui Chang Biyuan) and Huang Dongping (Shenzhen Yuzhong) in mixed doubles, and Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning in women's doubles. Vital contributions also came throughout the tournament from Li Shifeng (Rui Chang Biyuan, men's singles), the world No. 1 men's doubles pair Liang Weikeng (Shenzhen Yuzhong)/Wang Chang (Shenzhen Yuzhong), and Olympic champion Chen Qingchen (Rui Chang Biyuan) alongside Zhang Shuxian (Shenzhen Yuzhong) in women's doubles.
Historical Context:
This victory continues China's remarkable record as hosts of the Sudirman Cup. Since Beijing first staged the event in 2005, China has hosted the tournament seven times over the past two decades – and retained the trophy on every single occasion.
