KUCHING: Experience proved decisive as Japan’s Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto ended the reign of defending champions Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning to capture the Indonesia Open women’s doubles title today (June 6).
The world No. 5 pair defeated the Chinese world No. 1 duo 21-15, 18-21, 21-18 in a gripping final at Istora Senayan, handing Liu and Tan their first defeat in a BWF World Tour Super 1000 final.
Fukushima and Matsumoto laid the foundation for victory in the opening game, capitalising on a series of uncharacteristic errors from the Chinese pair.
The Japanese duo controlled the tempo and disrupted the rhythm that has made Liu and Tan the dominant force in women’s doubles, securing the first game 21-15.
The response from the world No. 1 pair was immediate.
Liu and Tan raised the intensity in the second game, adopting a more aggressive approach and putting the Japanese pair under constant pressure. The shift in momentum paid off as the Chinese duo levelled the match with a 21-18 victory.
With the title on the line, the decider turned into a test of composure and resilience.
Neither side was willing to give an inch as rallies grew longer and the pressure intensified inside a packed Istora Senayan.
While Liu and Tan searched for another late comeback, Fukushima and Matsumoto relied on their experience to navigate the crucial moments.
The Japanese pair ultimately held their nerve to close out the match 21-18 and secure one of the biggest victories of their partnership.
The result was a reminder that experience still carries weight at the highest level.
At 33 and 30 respectively, Fukushima and Matsumoto overcame opponents more than a decade younger, drawing on years of international competition to withstand the relentless pace and attacking pressure of the Chinese pair.
For Liu and Tan, the defeat ended a remarkable unbeaten record in Super 1000 finals, although the pair remain the benchmark in women’s doubles as the world’s top-ranked combination.
Fukushima and Matsumoto walked away with the winner’s cheque of US$107,300, while also delivering one of the standout performances of the tournament by denying the defending champions another prestigious title.
