Lin Chun-yi Triumphs at India Open with Dominant Performance
Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei secured his first major badminton title at the India Open Super 750 tournament. He defeated crowd favorite Jonatan Christie in the men's singles final on Sunday. The match concluded in just 38 minutes with scores of 21-10, 21-18.
A Week of Upsets and Victories
Lin's path to the championship was remarkable. He first silenced the home crowd by beating Indian star Lakshya Sen in the quarterfinals. He then overcame World Championships bronze medallist Victor Lai in the semifinals. These victories set the stage for his clash with the world number 4 Indonesian shuttler.
"I am very happy to win my first Super 750 title," Lin told reporters after his win. "It shows that I can stand on my own feet. My goal is to be in the top 10 in the world this year. Perseverance is the key, whether I win or lose."
Speed and Strategy Seal the Win
Known for his fast and attacking style, Lin troubled Christie from the opening shot. He built an early 11-5 lead using powerful smashes. Christie struggled to match his opponent's pace throughout the match.
"I have practiced a lot in order to play fast," Lin explained about his speed. "Even when I am playing matches, I gradually increase the speed, which confuses my opponents."
Windy conditions on the court further favored Lin's speedy game. Christie fought back in the second game, but Lin mounted a stunning comeback. He won six consecutive points from 15-18 down to close out the match.
Overcoming Injury Concerns
Lin arrived in India nursing a muscle strain from the Malaysia Open Super 1000 tournament. He experienced difficulty walking initially but decided to compete regardless.
"I didn't feel very good in Malaysia, but I felt freer on court in India," Lin added. "I am happy because I didn't plan to play earlier as my foot didn't feel great."
Currently ranked 12th in the world, Lin has been making his mark over the past two years. He is considered one of the best left-handed male shuttlers currently active.
"I can't express it, but it is a very different feeling this time," Lin told the Badminton World Federation. "Perhaps that feeling is awakening in me, and I am looking forward to winning a lot more matches."
Thrilling Mixed Doubles Final Steals the Show
While the singles finals proved one-sided, the mixed doubles final provided incredible drama. The Thai pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran faced Denmark's Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Boe.
The Danish pair won the first game 21-19 with aggressive play. They led 16-14 in the second game and appeared headed for victory. However, the world number 4 Thai pair mounted a remarkable comeback.
Comeback Victory for Thailand
From 16-16 to 23-23, both pairs battled intensely. The Thai pair saved four match points during this crucial phase. At 24-23, Boe hit a lift wide, giving the game to Thailand.
The Thai pair then dominated the decider, winning 21-18 to claim the title. Their strategy shift proved decisive.
"If we lift, we die," Dechapol explained about their tactical adjustment. "I know they really attack when we lift."
This change prevented the Danes from capitalizing on their attacking strength, leading to Thailand's victory.
Other Finals Results from India Open 2026
The tournament featured several other exciting finals across different categories:
- Women's Singles: An Se-young of South Korea dominated world number 2 Wang Zhi Yi 21-13, 21-11 in the most one-sided final of the day.
- Men's Doubles: Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of China overcame unseeded Japanese pair Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita 17-21, 25-23, 21-16.
- Women's Doubles: Chinese top seeds Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning defeated Japan's Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto 21-11, 21-18.
Complete Tournament Results
- Men's Singles: Lin Chun-Yi (TPE) beat Jonatan Christie (INA) 21-10, 21-18
- Women's Singles: An Se Young (KOR) beat Wang Zhi Yi (CHN) 21-13, 21-11
- Women's Doubles: Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning (CHN) beat Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto (JPN) 21-11, 21-18
- Mixed Doubles: Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran (THA) beat Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje (DEN) 19-21, 25-23, 21-18
- Men's Doubles: Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang (CHN) beat Hiroki Midorikawa/Kyohei Yamashita (JPN) 17-21, 25-23, 21-16
The India Open 2026 concluded with Lin Chun-yi's breakthrough victory highlighting the tournament. His win signals the arrival of a new contender in men's singles badminton while providing fans with memorable matches across all categories.
