Loh Kean Yew Storms Into First Singapore Badminton Open Final After Defeating Koki Watanabe

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5 hours ago
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Roared on by a passionate crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday evening, Loh overcame Watanabe 21-15, 15-21, 21-9 in a gripping men's singles semi-final to keep alive hopes of ending a decades-long wait for a home champion.

Loh Kean Yew jubilant after his semi-final victory in the KFF Singapore Badminton Open. PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION — Loh Kean Yew jubilant after his semi-final victory in the KFF Singapore Badminton Open. **PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION**

Singapore, May 30, 2026 — Singapore badminton star Loh Kean Yew produced another memorable performance on home soil to defeat Japan's Koki Watanabe and book his place in the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2026 final, marking the first time in his career that he has reached the championship match of Singapore's premier badminton tournament.

**PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION**

The former world champion showed resilience and composure throughout the contest. After claiming the opening game 21-15 with aggressive attacking play, Loh faced a determined response from Watanabe, who levelled the match by taking the second game 21-15. However, the Singaporean raised his level dramatically in the deciding game, dominating proceedings en route to a convincing 21-9 victory.

Historic Achievement for Singapore Badminton

Loh's victory represents a significant milestone for Singapore badminton.

Not only has the 28-year-old reached his first Singapore Badminton Open final, but he has also become the first Singaporean to contest the tournament's men's singles final since Ronald Susilo achieved the feat in 2002.

The achievement places Loh within touching distance of sporting history. Should he lift the trophy on Sunday, he would become the first Singaporean men's singles champion at the Singapore Open since Wee Choon Seng won the title in 1962.

More broadly, a victory would make Loh the first Singaporean to triumph at the home tournament in any discipline since women's doubles pair Shinta Mulia Sari and Yao Lei captured the title in 2010.

Home Crowd Fuels Loh Kean Yew's Charge

Throughout the tournament, Loh has spoken about the special motivation that comes from competing in front of Singapore fans. The electric atmosphere inside the Indoor Stadium once again provided a major boost as supporters rallied behind their local hero during key moments of the match.

The crowd erupted as Loh sealed victory with a dominant final game, celebrating a landmark result that has reignited excitement around Singapore badminton.

For many local fans, the prospect of witnessing a Singaporean champion at the country's flagship badminton event for the first time in more than six decades is a dream that now sits just one match away from becoming reality.

Loh One Win Away From Singapore Sporting History

Loh's journey to the final underscores his status as one of Singapore's greatest badminton players. Since becoming world champion in 2021, he has consistently carried the nation's hopes on the international stage, and now has the opportunity to add another historic achievement to his growing legacy.

Standing between Loh and the title is one final challenge. Victory in Sunday's showpiece would not only secure his first Singapore Badminton Open crown but also cement his place among the most significant figures in Singapore sporting history.

For now, the nation celebrates a breakthrough moment. After years of near misses and strong performances, Loh Kean Yew is finally through to his first Singapore Badminton Open final, and Singapore's wait for a home champion has never felt closer to ending.