Naraoka finally defeats Ginting at Japan Open 2025

Kodai Naraoka ended Anthony Sinisuka Ginting’s dominance with a straight-game victory in the first round of Japan Open 2025 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

The Japanese singles player — who had previously never won in three meetings — defeated the Indonesian representative with a score of 21-13, 21-19 in a match that lasted 52 minutes.

“I’m still amazed by Ginting’s play, especially his clear shots and thin netting that often deceive,” Naraoka told Badminton Spirit.

This victory feels more special for Naraoka considering that — although Ginting just returned after about six months absence — his opponent still managed to display high-quality gameplay.