Tokyo, Japan – A new era in men’s doubles badminton is set to begin next week as South Korea’s dynamic duo, Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho, are confirmed to ascend to the World No. 1 ranking. Their remarkable achievement comes after securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open 2025, effectively dethroning the reigning Malaysian pair, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.
The confirmation arrived on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after Seo and Kim delivered a compelling performance in their Round of 16 match at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Their victory over local favorites Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi with a score of 22-20, 21-17 was enough to garner the necessary ranking points to surpass Goh and Nur Izzuddin in the upcoming Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings, slated for release on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s reign at the top will conclude after a relatively brief eight-week stint, having made history on May 27, 2025, as the first Malaysian men’s pair in seven years to reach the coveted No. 1 position. While their time at the summit was short, it marked a significant milestone for Malaysian badminton.
Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho, who have been a force to be reckoned with since partnering earlier this year, have consistently impressed on the BWF World Tour. Their impressive 2025 season includes titles at the Malaysia Open, German Open, All England Open, and Indonesia Open, along with runner-up finishes at the India Open and Singapore Open. This consistent run of strong performances has propelled them steadily up the rankings, culminating in this historic achievement.
The Korean pair’s entry into the Japan Open quarterfinals solidifies their position at the pinnacle of men’s doubles badminton, a testament to their exceptional teamwork, skill, and unwavering determination. Fans eagerly await the official release of the updated BWF rankings next week to see Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho officially crowned as the new World No. 1.