Source: Sipa USA/SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] Recently, the entry list for the 2025 Japan Badminton Masters was officially released. As the penultimate tournament of the current BWF World Tour season, it has naturally attracted many top players competing for ranking points. This year’s Japan Masters will continue to be held in Kumamoto from November 11th to 16th. It is a Super 500 level event featuring both main draw and qualifying rounds, with the winner earning 9200 points. In men’s singles, Lee Zii Jia, who withdrew from the three European tournaments, has chosen the Japan Masters for his potential comeback, although his participation will depend on the recovery of his back injury. Additionally, Viktor Axelsen has also entered. After competing in multiple tournaments, this two-time Olympic champion should be gradually improving his form. The top two seeds are Anders Antonsen and Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Other notable players such as Jonatan Christie, Chou Tien Chen, Loh Kean Yew, and Kodai Naraoka have also entered this tournament. It is worth mentioning that World Championships dark horse Victor Lai has secured a spot in the main draw, while Indonesian star Anthony Sinisuka Ginting luckily grabbed the last spot in the qualifying rounds. In women’s singles, with An Se Young absent, the locally-based Akane Yamaguchi will likely feel right at home and be the firm favorite to win. Furthermore, Thai youngster Pitchamon Opatniputh will finally not have to play in the qualifiers this time and has directly entered the main draw.