In a breathtaking display of resilience and determination, Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. The 2021 world champion pulled off a spectacular comeback from a lopsided opening game, defeating his long-time rival, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, in a stunning three-game encounter with a final score of 5–21, 21–19, 21–19. The victory not only propels Loh deeper into the tournament but also extends his perfect head-to-head record against the Japanese shuttler to an impressive 7-0.
The last-16 match began with a startling turn of events, as it appeared Naraoka was poised to finally end his losing streak against the Singaporean star. The eighth-seeded Japanese player came out of the gate on fire, racing to an 11–2 lead in a matter of minutes. Loh, a ninth seed in the tournament, looked out of sync and lost, struggling to find his rhythm. Naraoka capitalized on the momentum, taking the first game with a dominant 21–5 score in just 11 minutes. The quick and decisive victory in the opening game left many spectators wondering if the match was already over.
However, Loh Kean Yew is no stranger to fighting from behind. Guided by the advice of his coach, who had previously noted the need for him to start matches faster, Loh seemed to find his footing in the second game. The Singaporean began to claw his way back, taking an 11–9 lead at the second interval. The crowd came alive as the two shuttlers engaged in a series of impressive rallies. In a tense moment, Loh unleashed a powerful smash into the far corner, winning the rally and the second game 21-19. He let out a cathartic roar, a sound matched by the energized crowd, as the match was forced into a decider.
The final game proved to be just as dramatic. The momentum shifted back and forth, with both players desperate to gain an advantage. At the change of ends, it was Naraoka who held a narrow 11–7 lead, once again putting Loh on the back foot and testing his resolve. But the 2021 world champion, fueled by the memory of his past victories and the roaring support from the stands, mounted another comeback. He steadily chipped away at the deficit, turning up the aggression and playing with renewed purpose.
In a nail-biting conclusion, Loh overcame the four-point gap, showcasing his renowned fighting spirit. The final points were a flurry of intense action, with Loh eventually closing out the match with a hard-fought 21-19 win. As he sealed the victory, Loh let out another triumphant roar, the sound of a champion who had stared down a devastating defeat and pulled off a remarkable turnaround. The dramatic win secures his place in the quarter-finals and reinforces his reputation as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.