Singapore — World No. 1 An Se Young once again showed why she remains the dominant force in women’s singles badminton, battling past Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi to win the Singapore Open title on Sunday.
The Korean star was pushed to the limit in a high-quality women’s singles final before defeating Yamaguchi 21-11, 17-21, 21-19. The victory gave An her fourth title of the 2026 season and extended her winning streak against the Japanese former world champion to four matches.
An had already captured titles at the Malaysia Open, India Open, and Asian Championships earlier this year. Her latest triumph in Singapore further strengthens her position as the player to beat on the world badminton circuit.
Alex Lanier Becomes First French Men’s Singles Champion at Singapore Open
In men’s singles, 21-year-old French rising star Alex Lanier produced one of the biggest wins of his young career, fighting back from a game down to defeat Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in the final.
Lanier overcame the home favorite 17-21, 21-15, 21-14 after 73 minutes of intense badminton. The win gave the Frenchman his second title of the 2026 season, following his victory at the Orleans Masters in March.
More importantly, Lanier became the first French player in history to win the Singapore Open men’s singles title. For a player still early in his career, the result is another major statement that he is becoming a serious threat at the top level of world badminton.
Rankireddy and Shetty End Two-Year Title Drought
India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty also enjoyed a breakthrough moment in Singapore, ending a two-year title drought by winning the men’s doubles crown.
The Asian Games champions defeated Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a hard-fought final. After dropping the opening game, the Indian pair responded with stronger attacking play and better control in the key moments to secure the title.
Their previous title came at the Thailand Open in May 2024. Singapore was their second final of the season after finishing runner-up at the Thailand Open two weeks earlier.
Rankireddy and Shetty had already made headlines in the semifinals by ending the winning run of world champions Seo Seung Jae and Kim Won Ho. They carried that momentum into the final and completed the job after another 73-minute battle.
Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian Finally Beat Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning
In women’s doubles, China’s Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian ended a frustrating losing streak against world No. 1 pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning.
Jia and Zhang defeated their Chinese teammates 22-20, 21-19 in a tense final to capture the Singapore Open women’s doubles title. The victory was especially meaningful because they had lost their previous five meetings against Liu and Tan.
This time, Jia and Zhang held firm in both close games, staying composed during the closing points to finally turn the matchup in their favor.
Christiansen and Bøje Win Singapore Open Mixed Doubles Crown Again
In mixed doubles, Denmark’s fifth seeds Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje came from behind to defeat Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara 17-21, 21-12, 21-12.
The Danish pair needed 60 minutes to complete the comeback and claim their second Singapore Open title, having also won the tournament in 2023.
Singapore was their fifth World Tour final of the season. Earlier in the year, Christiansen and Bøje finished runner-up at the Orleans Masters, Indonesia Masters, and India Open. Their Singapore Open victory became their second World Tour title of 2026 after the Thailand Open, while they also won the European Championships this season.
With An Se Young continuing her dominant run, Alex Lanier making history for France, and India’s top men’s doubles pair returning to the winner’s circle, the Singapore Open delivered a strong week of badminton news and memorable championship moments.
