Fajar/Fikri Retain China Open Title in 2026, Clinching Back-to-Back Championships

Indonesian men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri have once again proven their dominance on the world stage by successfully defending their China Open title in 2026. The second-seeded duo secured a hard-fought victory against the world's top-ranked pair, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae of South Korea, with a final score of 16-21, 21-19, 21-19.

The triumph in Changzhou follows their equally impressive win at the Japan Open 2026 just a week prior, marking a significant back-to-back championship achievement. This consistency in winning major international tournaments highlights their strong performance amidst a demanding schedule.

"We are grateful to Allah for the smoothness and victory, and for the maximum results at the China Open," said Fajar. "Defending the title here, and winning back-to-back after the Japan Open last week. Thank you to everyone who has always supported us." He acknowledged the final match was extremely challenging, facing the world's best players who exhibited more aggressive play than in previous encounters. Both Fajar and Fikri admitted their physical condition was strained after two consecutive weeks of intense competition.

Despite the fatigue, the Indonesian pair persevered, finding openings to turn the match around and secure the win in three grueling games. Fajar specifically praised Fikri's exceptional performance, noting how he effectively covered the court. He attributed the title to their hard work and expressed hope that this success would inspire a resurgence in Indonesian men's doubles, leading to more pairs competing at the highest level.

Fikri shared that the disappointment of not achieving top results at the Indonesia Open 2026 had initially been a setback. However, they channeled that disappointment into motivation, silencing doubts with their consecutive victories. "Honestly, I didn't feel like I was covering for Aa Fajar today; rather, I felt very guided," Fikri stated. "If I made many mistakes, he never grumbled or judged me. He always boosted my spirit, which made me not tired, not easily fatigued." The pair now shifts their focus to the BWF World Championships 2026, hoping to carry their winning momentum forward.