Loh Kean Yew Shines at BWF India Open 2025, Defeats Sixth Seed to Reach Quarter-Finals

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Loh Kean Yew continued his upward trajectory by eliminating sixth-seeded Naraoka Kodai at the BWF India Open 2025. The match took place on Thursday, January 16, marking a significant win in Yew’s quest for a strong showing at this prestigious badminton tournament.

An Impressive Comeback

Loh’s triumph came with a decisive score of 21-17, 21-15, making it his first consecutive victories since the Denmark Open in October. This victory follows his inaugural win of 2025, secured against Heng Jason Teh the day prior. The Singaporean now boasts a flawless 6-0 career record against Naraoka, solidifying his dominance over the Japanese player.

The Match Unfolding

From the outset, Loh showcased his strategic prowess, maintaining a consistent lead throughout the first game. The second game presented more of a challenge, with both players exchanging points until the score reached 15-all. It was then that Loh transformed the game, securing six consecutive points to close out the victory in 46 minutes.

Upcoming Challenges

In the quarter-finals, Loh will face a tough test against his former compatriot and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Viktor Axelsen. Axelsen himself demonstrated his class with a straight 21-11, 21-14 win over Jia Heng Jason Teh, setting up what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Women’s Side Dominates

On the women’s side of the tournament, An Seyoung, the 2018 Olympic champion, delivered another masterful performance. Her match against Ratchanok Intanon saw a swift 21-15, 21-8 victory, with An never trailing after the brief 2-1 lead Intanon managed in the second game. An will advance to the quarter-finals to take on Jia Min Yeo, ensuring a highly anticipated showdown.

The Stage is Set

The BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament in New Delhi continues until Sunday, providing badminton enthusiasts with several days of high-quality competition. Viewers can stream all the action on demand via the Olympic Channel on Olympics.com and the official Olympics app, subject to territorial restrictions.

Conclusion

Loh Kean Yew’s recent performance has marked a significant return to form for the 2021 world champion. His victory over Naraoka Kodai not only secured his spot in the quarter-finals but also demonstrated his skills and resilience. The BWF India Open 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating event, with more exciting matches to come.

We invite you to share your thoughts on the tournament, Loh Kean Yew’s performance, and any future predictions. Join the conversation in the comments below!