BWF Japan Open 2024: French underdog Alex Lanier stuns on way to first major career trophy; Yamaguchi Akane takes fourth title
French teenager Alex Lanier completed his stunning run at the Japan Open 2024 with a victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen, while Yamaguchi Akane claimed her career’s fourth title at the home tournament. Discover the results from the final day of action in Yokohama.
Badminton
French teen Alex Lanier wrapped up his underdog victory march at the BWF Japan Open 2024 by taking the first major badminton trophy of his career.
Ranked 29th in the world, Lanier beat experienced world medallist Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in straight games, 21-17, 22-20, in the men's singles final on Sunday (25 August).
This followed on his other surprise victories earlier in the week, including wins over world No.1 Shi Yuqi of the People's Republic of China and Paris 2024 bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.
It was a career's first Super 750 tournament for the French shuttler who was unseeded in the tournament.
Lanier did not compete at the home Olympic Games in Paris, but after winning in Yokohama, made a promise to get great results when he plays in the French capital during the BWF World Championships next year.
In the women's singles final, second seed Yamaguchi Akane powered to her career's fourth Japan Open title in a final against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan. The home star claimed the victory in straight games (21-11, 21-10), never once relinquishing the lead.
Yamaguchi has a near perfect record in the Japan Open finals, having now won four of the five finals she has competed in.
Relive the action from the men’s and women’s finals on Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app (territorial restrictions may apply).
BWF Japan Open 2024 finals results, 25 August 2024:
Men's doubles
[8] Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin (MAS) def. [3] Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae (KOR) 21-19, 21-15
Men's singles
Alex Lanier (FRA) def. Chou Tien Chen (TPE) 21-17, 22-20
Mixed doubles
[2] Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (CHN) def. [6] Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet (HKG) 21-12, 21-12
Women's doubles
[2] Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning (CHN) def. [1] Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee (KOR) 21-18, 22-20
Women's singles
[2] Yamaguchi Akane (JPN) def. Busanan Ongbamrungphan (THA) 21-11, 21-10