As the YONEX Bendigo International powered through its quarterfinal and semifinal stages, the action on court reached a fever pitch. With every match, the stakes grew higher—and so did the drama. From Japanese dominance in singles to Chinese Taipei’s stranglehold on the doubles, the weekend served up a thrilling prelude to what promises to be a blockbuster finals day.
Quarterfinals: Sunakawa and Noda Lead Japan’s Charge
Japan’s Nodoka Sunakawa continued her commanding run through the Oceania circuit, brushing aside fifth seed Tsai Hsin-Pei (TPE) in straight games, 21-12, 21-12. It was her second win over Tsai this season, and she made it look effortless.
In the men’s singles, Toma Noda (JPN) delivered the upset of the day, toppling tournament favourite and number one seed Alap Mishra (IND). After a shaky start, Noda found his rhythm and stormed back to win 12-21, 21-16, 21-12, sending a clear message: he’s here to win.
Australia’s Muhammad Rafi Zafran Ferary and Sydney Tjonadi came heartbreakingly close to a semifinal berth in men’s doubles. The young duo had the crowd on their feet after a nail-biting first game, but ultimately fell short against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu Chieh/Lee Chih Chen, 20-22, 13-21.
Semifinals: No Aussies in Finals, But the Fireworks Continue
Despite strong showings, no Australian players advanced to the finals. In mixed doubles, Frengky Wijaya Putra/Putri Sari Dewi Citra fought valiantly, even taking a game off their opponents. But Chinese Taipei’s Hung Ming Chen/Yun Jung Chang proved too strong in the decider, winning 18-21, 21-17, 10-21.
In women’s doubles, Japan’s Laudya Chelsea Griselda/Nozomi Shimizu pushed Sung Yi-Hsuan/Tsai Hsin-Pei (TPE) to three games, but couldn’t hold on in the final stretch.
Meanwhile, the women’s singles final is now an all-Japanese affair. Niina Matsuta booked her spot with a confident win over India’s Kyla Legiana Agatha, while Nodoka Sunakawa continued her dominant form, ousting Australia’s Rui Gao in straight games. Both players have looked sharp all week, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Noda’s Grit and Taipei’s Precision Light Up the Men’s Draw
Toma Noda wasn’t done making headlines. In the semifinals, he faced fellow Japanese shuttler Takuma Kawamoto in a 53-minute epic. After dropping the first game, Noda clawed his way back, eventually sealing the win 18-21, 21-17, 22-20. It was a gutsy, crowd-pleasing performance that earned him a well-deserved spot in the final.
On the other side of the draw, second seed Wang Yu-Kai (TPE) held off a spirited challenge from Koshiro Moriguchi (JPN), winning 21-15, 23-21. Wang’s calm under pressure and tactical precision proved just enough to keep Moriguchi at bay.
In men’s doubles, Chen Zhi Ray/Lin Yu Chieh (TPE) edged out Japan’s Haruki Kawabe/Kenta Matsukawa in a razor-close contest. With both games decided by the narrowest of margins—22-20, 23-21—it was a match that could’ve gone either way, but the Taiwanese duo held their nerve when it mattered most.
Finals Day Set for Fireworks
With Japan and Chinese Taipei dominating the finals lineup, Sunday promises a clash of styles, stamina, and strategy. Can Noda complete his giant-killing run? Will Sunakawa or Matsuta claim the women’s singles crown? And can Chinese Taipei sweep the doubles titles?
