The one overriding theme of the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 was that there were few surprises.

From the first match on the opening day, to the final match on the last, with a couple of exceptions the action panned out in line with pre-tournament expectations. And when China annexed their record-extending 14^th title, it was a tribute to their team depth and preparation that they never allowed any of their opponents a glimmer of an upset.

In effect, that meant Team China improved upon their performance from the last Sudirman Cup, in which they were a heartbeat away from crashing out in the semifinals. China’s strength was built on a combination of experience – through proven match-winners like Shi Yu Qi, Chen Yu Fei, Chen Qing Chen, Jia Yi Fan and Huang Dong Ping – and younger talent like Feng Yan Zhe, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning.

Czechia Take Point off Korea

The morning session of the opening day hinted at the troubles Korea would face throughout the week – their weakness in men’s singles. Group B minnows Czechia had the satisfaction of winning a point in men’s singles, with Jan Louda beating Cho Geon Yeop. Korea were hobbled in that category in all their three group contests (against Czechia, Canada and Chinese Taipei), the quarterfinals against Denmark, the semifinals against Indonesia and the final against China.

Yet, in the other categories Korea were strong enough to avoid pitfalls – given the presence of players like An Se Young, Seo Seung Jae, Kim Won Ho, Chae Yu Jung and others — and they were comfortable until the semifinals, where Indonesia proved difficult to beat.

On the other hand, China in Group A were in cruise mode for the most part, but they were given a jolt by Thailand, who fielded scratch combinations. After Li Shi Feng was stretched by Kantaphon Wangcharoen, Ratchanok Intanon brought back memories of her prime in a sublime victory over Wang Zhi Yi. Thailand’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals against Indonesia.

Absorbing Semifinal

In a contest that was intensely fought, Korea were stretched to the limit by Indonesia, who fought off match point in the fourth match to extend the tie. Korea eventually won in a late-night finish, but Indonesia had exacted a heavy toll which was to show on the Koreans the next day.

The other semifinal saw China storm past Japan 3-0.

Korea’s group mates Canada had an impressive campaign, with noteworthy performances by Michelle Li, Victor Lai and Brian Yang. Although they finished third in Group B, with some luck the margin of their defeats to Korea and Chinese Taipei could have been different.

Wardani, Alwi Shine

Group D was widely expected to be the ‘Group of Death’ as it featured Indonesia, Denmark, India and England, but with India and England fielding second-rung squads, the group placing went according to seeding. For Indonesia, admirably led by Jonatan Christie, the revelation was Putri Kusuma Wardani, who stepped in to fill the injured Gregoria Mariska Tunjung’s shoes. Wardani beat Pusarla V Sindhu and Line Kjaersfeldt in her group matches, and Pornpawee Chochuwong in the quarterfinals.

Indonesia had another standout player in young Alwi Farhan, who caused the upset of the tournament beating Anders Antonsen in three games.

Malaysia Falter

Malaysia’s whole campaign hinged on their inability to convert two match points against Japan in the final Group C tie. With Malaysia leading 2-1, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik were on the verge of closing it out in the fourth match; Japan however survived and eventually clinched the top place, ensuring they wouldn’t meet another top-ranked team in the quarterfinals. Instead, Malaysia found themselves drawn to face China, and their challenge petered out with a 3-0 loss.

The two other teams in the group, France and Australia, also showcased their abilities. The France-Australia clash for third place was among the closest-fought ties of the tournament, with three matches going the distance.