Vantaa, Finland — True perseverance was on full display at the 2025 Arctic Open as Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei fought through pain, exhaustion, and a bleeding foot to win his first title of the 2025 badminton season.
The 35-year-old veteran endured an extraordinary test of stamina, playing five consecutive three-game matches over five days, spending a total of 361 minutes on court to claim the men’s singles crown.
His journey:
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Day 1 – Round of 32: 60 min (Cumulative: 60)
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Day 2 – Round of 16: 74 min (Cumulative: 134)
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Day 3 – Quarterfinal: 80 min (Cumulative: 214)
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Day 4 – Semifinal: 70 min (Cumulative: 284)
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Day 5 – Final (vs. Kunlavut Vitidsarn): 77 min (Cumulative: 361)
In the championship match, Chou defeated Thailand’s world No. 3 Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21–11, 12–21, 21–19 after 77 intense minutes. Each rally was a battle of precision and endurance, but Chou’s composure under pressure carried him through to victory.
Watch highlights of Chou Tien Chen vs. Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the 2025 Arctic Open Final:
After the match, a photo went viral showing Chou seated with his medal, his shoe removed and his sock soaked in blood—a stark symbol of the physical toll behind his triumph.
Fans filled his social media with emotional tributes:
“Tears in my eyes—thank you for showing what true fighting spirit looks like. Stay healthy for Los Angeles 2028!” one wrote.
Another added, “Apart from Lee Chong Wei, Chou Tien Chen is the player I admire most. His mentality is what badminton is all about.”
His Arctic Open title stands as a story of heart and resilience—proof that at 35, Chou Tien Chen’s competitive flame burns as fiercely as ever.
Women’s Singles:
Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi continued her dominance by winning her second BWF World Tour title of 2025, beating Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21–19, 21–16. The three-time world champion remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, capturing her third title of the year after victories at the Paris World Championships and Korea Open.
Mixed Doubles:
China’s top seeds Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin defeated compatriots Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping 21–19, 24–22 in an all-Chinese final to secure the Arctic Open mixed-doubles title.
With Chou Tien Chen’s remarkable 361-minute journey and Akane Yamaguchi’s flawless run, the 2025 Arctic Open concluded as one of the year’s most inspiring tournaments—celebrating the unbreakable determination that defines the world of badminton.
