Koki Watanabe fails to reach Japan Open final after loss to Alex Lanier

According to Bolasport.com, Koki Watanabe — Japan’s final representative at Japan Open 2025 — had to acknowledge defeat against defending champion Alex Lanier in the semifinal match at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Watanabe’s impressive journey before the semifinals — defeating Taiwan’s favorite Chou Tien Chen and Chinese player Weng Hong Yang — came to an end against Lanier in straight games.

Despite taking an early 5-3 lead in the first game, Watanabe couldn’t maintain his positive momentum — ending the host nation’s hopes of securing a title on home soil.