KUMAMOTO, Japan, November 14, 2026 – Japan’s top seed Akane Yamaguchi advanced to the women’s singles final of the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2026 on Saturday after China’s third seed Chen Yu Fei retired during the deciding game of their semifinal encounter.
Chen claimed the opening game 21-18, but Yamaguchi responded with a commanding 21-8 victory in the second. The Japanese star was leading 11-4 in the third game when Chen withdrew, ending the contest prematurely.
The result sends Yamaguchi into Sunday’s final against China’s second seed Wang Zhi Yi, who defeated Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki 21-10, 21-15 in the other semifinal.
Chen Yu Fei Retires as Akane Yamaguchi Fights Back
The highly anticipated semifinal between Yamaguchi and Chen began with the Chinese player taking the initiative, securing the first game 21-18.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second game. Yamaguchi dominated 21-8 to level the contest and force a deciding game.
The Japanese top seed continued her strong response in the third, establishing an 11-4 advantage before Chen was forced to retire.
According to reports accompanying the match, Chen experienced discomfort associated with a recurring foot injury. However, the specific medical reason for her retirement has not been independently confirmed.
The withdrawal brought an unfortunate end to Chen’s campaign after she had taken the opening game against one of her leading international rivals.
For Yamaguchi, the result provides another opportunity to compete for a BWF World Tour Super 500 title in front of her home supporters.
Watch: Akane Yamaguchi vs Chen Yu Fei – Kumamoto Masters 2026 Semifinal Highlights
Video source: BWF.
Wang Zhi Yi Defeats Tomoka Miyazaki to Reach Final
China’s Wang Zhi Yi secured her place in the women’s singles final with a convincing 21-10, 21-15 victory over Japan’s fifth seed Tomoka Miyazaki.
Wang controlled the opening game, allowing Miyazaki just 10 points before maintaining her advantage in the second to complete the straight-game victory.
The result ended Miyazaki’s campaign in the semifinals and set up a championship showdown between the tournament’s top two women’s singles seeds.
Yamaguchi and Wang will meet on Sunday, November 15, with both players seeking the Kumamoto Masters title.
Watch: Tomoka Miyazaki vs Wang Zhi Yi – Kumamoto Masters 2026 Semifinal Highlights
Video source: BWF.
Japanese Pairs Set Up All-Japan Women’s Doubles Final
Japan secured both places in the women’s doubles final after Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi defeated South Korea’s Kim Hye Jeong and Lee Yeon Woo 21-13, 21-19.
The third-seeded Japanese combination will face compatriots Ririna Hiramoto and Chiharu Shida, who edged Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih Yun 23-21, 21-15.
Hiramoto and Shida prevailed in a closely contested opening game before completing the victory in straight games.
China Guarantees Mixed Doubles Title
China will also claim the mixed doubles championship after two Chinese combinations advanced to Sunday’s final.
Top seeds Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin defeated Japan’s Yuta Watanabe and Maya Taguchi 21-9, 21-17 to secure their place in the title match.
Meanwhile, Gao Jia Xuan and Wu Meng Ying recovered from losing the opening game to beat Japan’s Akira Koga and Natsu Saito 19-21, 21-7, 21-18.
The results set up an all-Chinese mixed doubles final between Jiang/Wei and Gao/Wu on November 15.
Complete Tournament Results
Kumamoto Masters Japan 2026 – Semifinals, November 14
Women’s Singles
Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) advanced over Chen Yu Fei (China), 18-21, 21-8, 11-4 (Chen retired during the third game).
Wang Zhi Yi (China) defeated Tomoka Miyazaki (Japan), 21-10, 21-15.
Women’s Doubles
Rin Iwanaga / Kie Nakanishi (Japan) defeated Kim Hye Jeong / Lee Yeon Woo (South Korea), 21-13, 21-19.
Ririna Hiramoto / Chiharu Shida (Japan) defeated Hsu Yin-Hui / Lin Jhih Yun (Chinese Taipei), 23-21, 21-15.
Mixed Doubles
Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Ya Xin (China) defeated Yuta Watanabe / Maya Taguchi (Japan), 21-9, 21-17.
Gao Jia Xuan / Wu Meng Ying (China) defeated Akira Koga / Natsu Saito (Japan), 19-21, 21-7, 21-18.
