Elite Shuttlers Set for Showdown: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals Semifinalists Decided
HANGZHOU, China – The group stages of the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals have concluded, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of badminton at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium. With a total prize pool of US$3 million on the line, the world’s top shuttlers have fought their way through the round-robin groups to secure their spots in the knockout phase.
Here is a look at the semifinalists who have kept their title hopes alive in the season-ending finale.
Men’s Singles: Global Stars Collide
The men’s singles bracket features a mix of established champions and rising European power. Home favorite and top contender Shi Yuqi has advanced to the final four, where he is set to face Thailand’s reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
In the other half of the draw, France’s Christo Popov, who has enjoyed a breakthrough tournament, will take on Japan’s defensive maestro Kodai Naraoka. The presence of Popov ensures European representation deep into the tournament, challenging the traditional Asian dominance in the discipline.
Doubles Categories: Heavyweights Advance
Men’s Doubles
The men’s doubles semifinals promise intense rallies with the world’s best pairs locking horns. South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae have booked their place in the semis. They are joined by the explosive Indonesian pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.
Also advancing are the formidable Chinese duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, who will look to utilize their home-court advantage. Rounding out the final four is the dynamic Indian pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, continuing their stellar run of form.
Women’s Doubles
In the women’s doubles, Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan have successfully navigated the group stage to reach the semifinals. They will be joined by the experienced Japanese pair Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto.
The other side of the draw features formidable opposition, including South Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee, as well as China’s powerful duo Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, ensuring a fierce battle for the championship.
Mixed Doubles
The mixed doubles semifinals will see top Chinese pair Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping vying for the title. They are joined by compatriots Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, highlighting China’s depth in this category.
Challenging them will be the Malaysian pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, along with Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito, who have played their way into contention for the season-ending crown.
Women’s Singles: An Se-young Leads the Pack
In the women’s singles, world number one An Se-young of South Korea dominated Group A, winning all three of her matches to qualify top of her group with a perfect record. She is joined in the knockout stage by Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who secured the second qualifying spot from the same group.
What’s Next?
The semifinals will take place on Saturday, December 20, followed by the finals on Sunday, December 21. Winners in the singles categories will take home US$240,000, while the doubles champions will share US$252,000, making every match from here on out a high-stakes encounter.
