The Shuttle Drop: Ginting's back and Tanaka delivers statement

Outsiders swept up the titles at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel for the Swiss Open.

Not a single top five seed across the categories lifted the trophy.

After one of the most chaotic All England weeks in recent memory, Switzerland doubled down — this is a tour right now where nothing feels predictable.

And that’s exactly what makes it so watchable.

How good is the speedy Yushi Tanaka? Teammate Koki Watanabe went on an assured, deep run in Birmingham. This week in Basel, it was Tanaka’s turn to shine.

Coaches Kento Momota and Sho Sasaki, technically incredible players when they played, seem to be making real progress with this next group of men’s singles players coming through.

Tanaka, 26, has taken his time with his career.

While headlines were grabbed by younger names like Lanier and Farhan as future superstars, Tanaka remained in the background.

But he’s been building.

In 2024, he stepped up:

He came close to a bigger breakthrough at the Australian Open final, losing to India’s Lakshya Sen in a bid for his first Super 500 title.

At this year’s All England, he lost in the first round to Toma Junior Popov.

Then Switzerland happened. A slow start, dropping the opening game to Swiss player Julien Scheiwiller, but after that, something clicked.

He went on a clinical run:

A straight-game run to the title. 168 points won, just 120 lost. Dominance.

Tanaka is developing into a player built for deep tournament runs.

Much like Momota… efficient, quick movement. Thoughtful shot selection. Natural deception. And now, a defence that always looks ready.

He has now broken into the top 20. Lanier and Farhan may have been taken out of the oven and served up early…

…but like often is the case with Japanese cuisine it will be worth the wait with Yushi Tanaka.

It feels strange to suggest that China’s coaches might be concerned about their mixed doubles pairs.

On paper:

But the bar in China is very high.

Recently retired Zheng Si Wei / Huang Ya Qiong. Olympic gold medallists. Three-time world champions. 129 weeks at world No.1.

Before them, Zhang Nan / Zhao Yun Lei. Olympic gold. Three world titles. Dominant across multiple disciplines. These were pairs defined by certainty.

When they stepped on court, you expected them to win. The current generation?

Still dominant, but less convincing.

Feng Yan Zhe / Huang Dong Ping are capable of shutouts, but often drawn into physical battles. Feng’s nerves and movement can still be exposed. Huang will be 32 by LA Olympics. Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Ya Xin seem to have lost their spark. Last title the Arctic Open in 2025. Not enough for a pair chasing the very top.

Then Switzerland. With the top 2 pairs not playing, China still had three of the four mixed doubles semi-finalists. Cheng Xing / Zhang Chi took the title, adding to their German Open earlier this year.

Early 20s. Already world No.14. There is depth. There is talent. But there is also pressure.

With two years to LA, new pairs are emerging while established pairs are wobbling.

And for the first time in a long time…China’s mixed doubles doesn’t feel locked in.

Indonesia chasing a record 15th title but land in a tricky group with:

France’s rise + Thailand’s unpredictability = no easy route.

🇯🇵 Yushi Tanaka
Now firmly on the radar. No top seed will want him in their draw.

🇹🇭 Pitchamon Opatniputh (“Pink”)
19 and fearless. The Chiang Mai talent after being runner up in Indonesia and reaching the quarters in Switzerland, she is making sure 2026 is her year.

🇩🇰 Mads Vestergaard / Daniel Lungaard
First Super 300 final, the Danish MD succession plan is slowly forming. Top pair Rasmussen, 37, and Astrup, 34, are finally looking over their shoulders.

🇫🇷 Home hopes are real

France arrive with serious firepower for the Orleans Masters:

👉 Expect noise. Expect pressure.

No no, that’s silly things. We teasing our coaches - Ratchanok Intanon explaining to fans after photo of her holding hands with Kunlavut Vitidsarn

My motivation are my lovely fans. My performance was down but my fans still cheered me on. They’re always beside me, so my fans are very important to me - Nozomi Okuhara

We have a serious project in doubles, as we’ve always had. After becoming European champions, I think it made it even more serious - Christo Popov

From beginner to intermediate by Badminton Insight.

1. Shot quality first
Get your clears deep — buy yourself time.

2. Read the game
Watch grip + body position, clues everywhere. Practise by guessing when watching off-court.

3. Footwork wins matches
Master your split step. Fewer steps = faster court coverage.

4. Grip matters more than you think
Stay relaxed and loose for quicker changes, this will give you better control.

5. Consistency beats highlight shots
Safer margins = fewer errors = more wins. Practice, practice and practice.

“I fear the man who practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
— Bruce Lee

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