Singapore’s top women’s singles badminton player, Yeo Jia Min, ended her four-year wait for a Badminton World Federation (BWF) title by defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh in the final of the German Open on Sunday, March 2. The world number 13 showcased her skill and composure to claim a straight-games victory, winning 21-16, 21-17 in just 41 minutes at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany.
This triumph marks Yeo’s first BWF title since her victory at the BWF Tour Super 100 Hyderabad Open in August 2019. Her most recent title before this was the Polish Open in 2023, an International Challenge event, which is a tier below the BWF World Tour. The German Open, a Super 300 tournament, represents a significant milestone in Yeo’s career, as it is her first title at this level.
A Dominant Performance Against a Tough Opponent
Yeo, the tournament’s top seed, entered the final with a psychological edge, having won three of her previous four encounters against Nguyen, who is ranked 29th in the world. Their most recent meeting was at the Indian Open earlier this year, where Yeo emerged victorious.
The Singaporean shuttler carried her momentum from a commanding semi-final win over Denmark’s defending champion, Mia Blichfeldt, into the final. Yeo started strongly, building an 11-7 lead at the mid-game interval of the first set. However, Nguyen, the sixth seed, demonstrated her resilience by narrowing the gap to just two points. Despite the pressure, Yeo maintained her focus and closed out the first game 21-16.
The second game saw Nguyen briefly take the lead for the first time in the match, going ahead 2-1 after a successful line challenge. However, Yeo’s superior net play and Nguyen’s unforced errors allowed the Singaporean to regain control, establishing a five-point advantage at the interval. Nguyen fought back valiantly, reducing the deficit to just two points, but Yeo held her nerve in the crucial moments to seal the victory 21-17.
A Career Milestone
This victory is particularly significant for Yeo, as it represents her first Super 300 title. Her previous best performance at this level was a runner-up finish at the 2021 Hylo Open, where she lost to Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan. The German Open title not only ends her title drought but also serves as a testament to her growth and consistency on the international stage.
At 26 years old, Yeo has established herself as one of Singapore’s most accomplished badminton players. Her ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different playing styles was on full display in Mulheim. This win will undoubtedly boost her confidence as she prepares for future tournaments, including the upcoming 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris, France.
Loh Kean Yew Falls to Viktor Axelsen
In the men’s singles final, Loh Kean Yew faced Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion, Viktor Axelsen, ultimately succumbing to the world number four with a scoreline of 21-19, 21-18. This match marked their 13th encounter, with Axelsen extending his head-to-head advantage to 11-2.
Loh’s journey to the final was marked by impressive performances, including a decisive victory over Japan’s Koo Takahashi in the semi-finals, winning 21-13, 21-14. This progression to the final was significant, as it was his first since clinching the Madrid Spain Masters title in March 2024.
The final itself was a testament to both players’ skills and strategies. The opening game was tightly contested, with Axelsen narrowly edging out Loh 21-19. The second game mirrored the intensity of the first, with Axelsen maintaining his composure to secure a 21-18 victory, clinching the championship.