Hong Kong Open 2024 Badminton Tournament Recap

The Li-Ning Hong Kong Open 2024 concluded in thrilling fashion at the Hong Kong Coliseum, showcasing world-class badminton talent from September 10-15. With a prize pool of $420,000 and its place as a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, the 34th edition of this prestigious tournament did not disappoint. From Viktor Axelsen’s historic triumph in the men’s singles to remarkable performances in the doubles categories, this year’s tournament was a feast for badminton fans.

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Tournament Overview

The Hong Kong Open 2024 continued its rich tradition as a cornerstone of the international badminton calendar. Held at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon, this tournament brought together the sport’s top athletes, all competing for valuable world tour points and the chance to make history. Here are some quick facts about this year’s event:

Champions of Hong Kong Open 2024

• Men’s Singles: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen
• Women’s Singles: China’s Han Yue
• Men’s Doubles: South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae
• Women’s Doubles: Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan
• Mixed Doubles: China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin

Viktor Axelsen Dominates Men’s Singles

Men’s Singles

Viktor Axelsen def. Lei Lan Xi 21:9, 21:12

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, fresh from his success at the Paris Olympics, added yet another feather to his cap by claiming his first Hong Kong Open title. Despite being a two-time Olympic champion, this was Axelsen’s debut victory in Hong Kong—a fact that added extra significance to his triumph.

Facing Lei Lan Xi of China in the final, Axelsen demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest players in badminton history. After a commanding first game win of 21-9, Axelsen faced a stronger challenge in the second as Lei initially led. However, Axelsen’s relentless attack saw him turn the tables, eventually sealing the match with a 21-12 win.

An emotional Axelsen celebrated his victory by tossing his racket into the crowd and expressing his gratitude to the passionate Hong Kong audience, saying, “The energy from the fans made a huge difference.”

Han Yue’s Breakthrough in Women’s Singles

Women’s Singles

Han Yue def. Putri Kusuma Wardani 21:18, 21:7

In the women’s singles, China’s rising star Han Yue secured her first title at the Hong Kong Open, defeating Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in straight games. Despite the scoreline (21-18, 21-7), the match was no easy ride, especially in the first game where Wardani mounted a strong comeback. However, Han’s composure and preparation paid off, allowing her to dominate the second game and take home the gold.

Han, who had an impressive tournament run, praised her opponent’s resilience, while also expressing joy at winning her first Hong Kong title. “It’s a special moment for me,” she said. “The crowd’s support was incredible, and I look forward to returning next year.”

Malaysian Magic: Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan’s Historic Women’s Doubles Victory

Women’s Doubles

Pearly Tan / Thinaah Muralitharan def. Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning 21:14, 21:14

One of the standout moments of the Hong Kong Open 2024 was the performance of Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan in the women’s doubles. The Malaysian duo not only took home the title but also made history by becoming the first women’s doubles pair from Malaysia to win the Hong Kong Open.

Their victory came against Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China, silver medalists at the Paris Olympics. Having lost to the Chinese pair in previous encounters, Tan and Muralitharan turned the tables with a confident performance, winning in straight sets, 21-14, 21-14.

“We were surprised to learn that we were the first Malaysians to win here,” Tan said after the match. The pair credited the crowd’s energy for pushing them to victory.

Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae Reign in Men’s Doubles

Men’s Doubles

Kang Min Hyuk / Seo Seung Jae def. Sabar Karyaman Gutama / Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani 21:13, 21:17

The South Korean pairing of Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae, reigning world champions, lived up to their reputation with a dominant win in the men’s doubles. The duo overcame Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani of Indonesia in straight sets, 21-13, 21-17, securing their first Hong Kong Open title.

Kang and Seo expressed confidence going into the match, having previously defeated the Indonesian pair. Their victory in Hong Kong serves as a morale booster ahead of the China Open, where they aim to continue their winning form.

China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin Claim Mixed Doubles Title

Mixed Doubles

Jiang Zhenbang / Wei Yaxin def. Feng Yanzhe / Huang Dongping 21:17, 21:19

In the mixed doubles, China’s second-seeded pair Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin overcame their higher-ranked compatriots, Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping, in a thrilling final. Having lost to Feng and Huang in seven of their previous eight meetings, Jiang and Wei turned the tide with a gritty performance, winning 21-17, 21-19.

After the match, both Jiang and Wei reflected on the hard work they had put in to reverse their losing streak against the Olympic silver medalists. “This win is a testament to our efforts and adjustments,” said Wei. Their victory was a culmination of determination and teamwork, setting them up as a formidable duo on the world stage.

Conclusion: A Tournament to Remember

The Hong Kong Open 2024 provided a week of incredible badminton action, with memorable performances from the world’s best players. From Viktor Axelsen’s first title in Hong Kong to the historic win by Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, this year’s event left its mark on the badminton calendar.

As players now shift their focus to the upcoming China Open, badminton fans will no doubt continue to relish the thrilling moments and high-level competition displayed in Hong Kong.

Stay tuned for more action as the 2024 BWF World Tour continues!

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