Home Court Heroes: Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jiamin, Jason Teh Lead Team Singapore’s Charge at Singapore Badminton Open

Team Singapore’s badminton stars Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jiamin, and Jason Teh talk injury recovery, home crowd excitement, and strategy ahead of the Singapore Badminton Open.

Team Singapore's athletes pose for the cameras at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open press conference. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH

SINGAPORE, 25 May 2026 - The KFF Singapore Badminton Open is officially back, bringing world-class badminton action to the Singapore Indoor Stadium at The Kallang. With the official tournament draw taking place tonight, anticipation is at an all-time high as global badminton powerhouses descend upon the Lion City.

For Team Singapore, this week represents more than just another stop on the BWF World Tour—it is a rare chance to battle the world’s best in front of a roaring home crowd. At today's pre-tournament press conference, Singapore’s top shuttlers opened up about their preparation, recent injury battles, and the mental grit required to perform on the big stage.

Yeo Jiamin celebrates winning her match at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open in 2025. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR

Overcoming the Odds: Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jiamin Fight Back from Injury

Singapore’s premier singles stars enter the home tournament fighting a race against time, but their determination to play for the local fans remains unshaken.

Former World Champion Loh Kean Yew revealed he has been nursing an injury sustained during his recent outing at the Thailand Open.

Loh Kean Yew at this morning's media conference at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / ALDRICH GOH

"I went to Thailand with an injured leg and strained myself, but I have been resting and trying to get back in shape for the Singapore Open. Hopefully, I will be able to play well. To play in front of the home crowd always gets us excited, and I'm looking forward to playing here."

Similarly, top women’s singles player Yeo Jiamin has had a disrupted lead-up to the blockbuster event, disclosing a recent medical setback that altered her training schedule.

"Before the Thailand Open, half the time I had a small procedure, so I was resting and rehabilitating. So I made use of the time to get back my fitness. As always, the Singapore Open is a key highlight for us, and we want to perform for the fans here back home. So regardless of what condition I am in, I will give my best."

Jason Teh in action at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR

Strategic Sacrifices and Mental Fortitude

While the marquee stars look to overcome physical hurdles, men's singles ace Jason Teh and the doubles pairing of Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo are focusing heavily on tactical preparation and psychological readiness.

Teh highlighted a calculated decision to skip the Malaysia Open, prioritizing an intense training block specifically engineered for success on the Kallang courts.

"We skipped the Malaysia Open to better prepare for the Singapore Open. We prepared quite okay. I don't think I would say I am in particularly great form; I have been playing like this for a while. This week, whoever opponent I draw, I will just give my best and leave the rest to God."

For rising doubles pair Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo, surviving the high-pressure cooker of international badminton comes down to emotional control and taking it one rally at a time.

"It taught us to control our emotions and feelings on the court, especially against high-level opponents. That's what we hope to bring to this week's games."

His partner, Junsuke Kubo, echoed that laser-sharp focus: "We treat every point the same, taking it one point at a time, and make sure we stay consistent, which is most important."

Action Starts Tomorrow at Kallang

With the world's elite players gathered in Singapore, the stage is set for a week of high-octane badminton. For the local contingent, the roaring support inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium will act as the crucial "eighth man" on court.

Can Team Singapore defy recent injury setbacks and shake up the tournament brackets? The action kicks off tomorrow, and local sports fans will undoubtedly be turning up in droves to rally behind our home court heroes. #KFFSBO2026 #Badminton