Finals day at the ROKETTO Sydney International unfolded with drama, intensity, and a clear message: Chinese Taipei’s badminton contingent is a force to be reckoned with. Of the five titles up for grabs, four were claimed by TPE athletes, showcasing not only their technical prowess but also their mental resilience under pressure.
Mixed Doubles: Wu/Lee Hold Off Rising Duo in All-TPE Clash
The day began with an all-Chinese Taipei showdown in the mixed doubles. Top seeds Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin, known for their sharp net play and seamless rotation, came out firing. They built an early cushion with aggressive front-court control and precise placement. Their opponents, Bo-Yuan Chen and Sung Yi-Hsuan, weren’t just there to make up the numbers. The unseeded pair had upset higher-ranked teams en route to the final and showed flashes of brilliance, especially in their mid-game rallies. Despite their efforts, Wu and Lee’s experience and composure under pressure proved decisive. They closed out the match in straight games, 15-10, 15-11, securing the first title of the day for Chinese Taipei.
Women’s Singles: Chen Su Yu’s Tactical Masterclass
In the women’s singles final, youth met experience as Japan’s Niina Matsuta, one of the youngest players in the draw, faced off against the seasoned Chen Su Yu. Matsuta, known for her explosive movement, looked unstoppable in the opening game. She raced to a 15-9 win, leaving many spectators convinced she was on track for the title. But Chen, who had already survived three three-game matches in the tournament, showed why she’s a master of adaptation. After the interval, she began reading Matsuta’s patterns, exploiting gaps and drawing her into longer rallies. The shift in momentum was palpable. Chen’s court coverage and shot selection tightened, and Matsuta struggled to regain control. Chen stormed through the next two games 15-9, 15-9, completing a comeback that highlighted her tactical depth and mental toughness.
Men’s Singles: Wang Yu-Kai’s Composure Seals the Deal
The men’s singles final featured two Chinese Taipei athletes with contrasting styles. Wang Yu Kai took on the second seed, Liao Jhuo-Fu, who had impressed with his attacking flair throughout the tournament. Wang wasted no time asserting control, using tight net shots and deep clears to keep Liao off balance. Though Liao mounted a spirited fightback in both games, he couldn’t quite string together enough points to shift the tide. Wang’s consistency and ability to absorb pressure earned him a straight-games win, 15-10, 15-10, and another title for Chinese Taipei.
Men’s Doubles: Japan’s Kawabe/Matsukawa Rise to the Occasion
Japan’s only title of the day came in the men’s doubles, where Haruki Kawabe and Kenta Matsukawa delivered a clinical performance against Chinese Taipei’s Bo-Yuan Chen and Tang Kai Wei. Kawabe and Matsukawa, known for their fast transitions and aggressive mid-court play, dictated the tempo from the outset. Chen and Tang showed signs of life late in the first game, nearly clawing back from a deficit before falling 15-13. But the Japanese pair tightened their grip in the second, finding gaps and forcing errors with relentless pressure. The second game was a one-sided affair, ending 15-5, and giving Japan a well-earned spot on the winners’ podium.
Women’s Doubles: Chen Su Yu’s Double Crown
The final match of the day was arguably the most emotionally charged. Australia’s Gronya Somerville and Angela Yu, buoyed by home support, faced off against Chen Su Yu and Yi En Hsieh. Somerville and Yu came out strong, using sharp angles and aggressive drives to take the first game 15-8. But Chen, fresh off her singles triumph, wasn’t finished. She and Hsieh regrouped, adjusted their defensive structure, and began countering the Australians’ pace with precision. The second game saw a dramatic shift, with Chen/Hsieh edging out a 15-13 win to force a decider. In the third, the Australians struggled to maintain their rhythm, while Chen and Hsieh surged ahead with confidence. The final score, 8-15, 15-13, 15-9, sealed Chen’s second title of the day and capped off a remarkable run for Chinese Taipei.
