Kumamoto, Japan — The unstoppable run of Seo Seung Jae and Kim Won Ho continued in breathtaking fashion as the Korean world No. 1 men’s doubles pair lifted the 2025 Kumamoto Masters crown, securing their 10th title of the year—nine on the BWF World Tour and one from their World Championships triumph.

Their latest victory brings them within touching distance of Kento Momota’s legendary record of 11 titles in a single season, a benchmark set in 2019.

🎥 Match Highlights:

A Season of Dominance

Seo and Kim only began their partnership at the start of the year, but they have quickly risen to become the most dominant men’s doubles pair in badminton. Out of 16 tournaments this season, they have marched into 11 finals, collecting titles across:

• Malaysia Open (Super 1000)

• Indonesia Open (Super 1000)

• All England Open (Super 1000)

• Japan Open (Super 750)

• China Open (Super 750)

• France Open (Super 750)

• Korea Open (Super 500)

• German Open (Super 300)

• World Championships

• Now the Kumamoto Masters (Super 500)

With this win, they have surpassed the famed Indonesian duo Gideon/Sukamuljo, who won eight World Tour titles in both 2018 and 2019. Their season tally now matches the record held by Korea’s An Se Young, who won nine World Tour singles titles in 2023.

How the Final Unfolded

The Japanese finalists Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita, cheered loudly by a home crowd, surprised the Koreans early and snatched the opening game 22–20, having led by as many as four points (20–16).

But the top seeds shifted gears in the second game, racing ahead 5–0 and later 8–1 before cruising to a 21–11 finish.

In the decider, Seo/Kim tightened their attack, turning an 8–6 lead into a dominant 14–6 run. Their consistency and pressure proved too much for the Japanese pair as the Koreans wrapped up the final game 21–16 to claim yet another championship.

Momota’s Record Now in Sight

Seo and Kim have chosen to skip next week’s Australia Open, meaning their only remaining chance to equal Momota’s all-time record is by winning the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month.

Kodai Naraoka Ends Title Drought, Wins Men’s Singles Crown

Japan celebrated in the singles category as Kodai Naraoka captured the men’s singles title, defeating compatriot Kenta Nishimoto in a gripping three-game battle.

🎥 Naraoka vs Nishimoto Highlights:

Naraoka’s 21–11, 10–21, 21–15 victory marks his first championship in nearly two years, his last title coming at the China Masters 2023.

This year’s Kumamoto Masters also made history as the first edition since 2023 where both slots in the men’s singles final were filled by Japanese players.

Game Summary

• Game 1: Naraoka stormed ahead with a 6–0 start, later expanding to 12–2 before sealing the game 21–11.

• Game 2: Nishimoto fired back with a stunning 12–1 run, taking the game 21–10.

• Game 3: A tense final game saw both players fighting intensely, but Naraoka’s precision and stamina proved decisive as he finished the match 21–15.