Japan Open 2026: Fajar/Fikri Champions after Defeating World No. 1

JAKARTA - The men's doubles Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri managed to emerge as the 2026 Japan Open champions after defeating the first seeded pair and world number one from South Korea, Kim Won-ho/Seo Seung-jae.

Fajar/Fikri, who are the second seeds in the Super 750-level tournament, secured the title after a straight two-game match 21-19 and 21-17 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

"I am grateful that I was given smoothness and was able to win the title at the Japan Open," said Fajar in an official statement from the Public Relations Office of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PP PBSI) after the match.

This is the second title for Fajar/Fikri since they were paired. They took about a year to get back to the top of the podium after becoming the best in last year's China Open.

China Open 2025 was their second tournament as a new pair at that time. Fajar/Fikri made their debut as a pair when they went down at the Japan Open 2025 which ended in the quarterfinals.

"Hopefully this will be the beginning of our revival to be able to win the next titles. This title I dedicate specifically to my wife because this is the first title after getting married," said Fajar.

The success achieved by Fajar/Fikri made Indonesia end the title fast in the tournament. The last representative of Indonesia before they were successful there was Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, who won three in a row (2017, 2018, and 2019).

Fikri admitted that he was very happy that they could return to being the best after repeatedly trying, but failed. In fact, after winning the China Open 2925, they managed to reach the final five times.

"This title is for myself, the fruit of patience so far, for my family and loved ones and all the supporters who always support and pray for us," he said.

Five different countries emerged as champions of the Japan Open this year. From the men's singles title was won by Christo Popov (France), the women's singles was won by Pusarla V Sindhu (India), Kim Hye-jeong/Kong Hee-yong (South Korea) won the men's doubles title, and the mixed doubles title was brought home by Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping (China).