The IKSAN VICTOR Korea Masters 2025 is set to serve up another week of world-class badminton as some of the sport’s biggest names prepare to take the court in Iksan City, Korea, starting tomorrow.
Okuhara Eyes Fourth Consecutive Title
Former world champion Nozomi Okuhara is the player to watch this week as she looks to extend her winning streak. The Japanese star has been in spectacular form, capturing three consecutive BWF Tour Super 100 titles — the VICTOR Kaohsiung Masters, ALLIANZ Malaysia Super 100, and WONDR by BNI Indonesia Masters II.
Now seeded fourth in Iksan, Okuhara is aiming for her fourth title in a row, a feat that would further underline her resurgence on the BWF Tour. She opens her campaign against Singapore’s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi, a player known for her aggressive style.
“I’ve been feeling confident with every match, and my rhythm is getting stronger,” Okuhara said ahead of the event. “Winning three in a row gives me motivation to push harder here in Korea.”
Victor Lai Leads Men’s Singles Challenge
In men’s singles, Canada’s Victor Lai, who made history by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships, is seeded second and will begin his campaign against Kazakhstan’s Dmitry Panarin. Lai has quickly become one of the most talked-about players on the circuit, and fans are eager to see if he can carry that form into Iksan.
Also in the spotlight is Lai’s compatriot Brian Yang, who has struggled to regain momentum since his runner-up finish at the YONEX US Open in June. After a string of early exits, Yang is determined to bounce back and make a deep run this week.
New Partnerships Highlight Women’s Doubles
In women’s doubles, attention turns to an exciting new pairing — Allison Lee (USA) teaming up with Lee Yu Lim (Korea). The international duo will make their debut against Thailand’s Benyapa Aimsaard/Sabrina Wedler in the opening round. Their chemistry on court will be a key factor as they look to build early momentum.
Promotions and Withdrawals Shake Up the Draw
The Korea Masters 2025 will also see several players promoted to the main draw following last-minute withdrawals:
- Men’s Singles: Kim Byung Jae (Korea), Ting Yen-Chen (Chinese Taipei), Yudai Okimoto (Japan)
- Women’s Singles: Siti Zulaikha (Malaysia), Lee Xin Yi Megan (Singapore)
- Men’s Doubles: Kang Gun Hee/Kim Min Sang (Korea)
- Mixed Doubles: Tzu Hung Chiu/Lin Chih-Chun, Huang Jui-Hsuan/Yan Fei (both Chinese Taipei)
However, the tournament has also been hit by notable withdrawals, including Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Indonesia) and Sankar Subramanian (India) in men’s singles, as well as C Lassaux (Belgium) and Manami Suizu (Japan) in women’s singles.
Excitement Builds in Iksan
With Okuhara chasing history, Victor Lai continuing his rise, and new doubles pairings adding intrigue, the IKSAN VICTOR Korea Masters 2025 promises a week full of intensity and surprises. As the BWF season heads into its crucial stretch, all eyes will be on Iksan to see who emerges as the next champion on the world stage.
