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Mike Chan

The city’s top player, Lee Cheuk-yiu, said he had witnessed the “best day in badminton history for Hong Kong” despite going down in straight sets to compatriot Jason Gunawan at the China Masters in Shenzhen on Sunday.
World No 25 Lee, who had finished second at the India Open in 2024 and 2025, stormed to the final after eliminating the likes of fellow Hongkonger Angus Ng Ka-long, French duo Toma Junior Popov and Christo Popov, the world No 2, as he progressed.
However, facing world No 32 Gunawan, who was playing in the first Super 750 event of his career, Lee failed to reproduce the form that saw him reach his first BWF World Tour final in 21 months.
“Despite the results, today is the best day in badminton history for Hong Kong,” the 30-year-old Lee said. “I have the greatest pleasure to play with and witness the first 750 winner finally coming home, congratulations to Jason.
“He played really well today. I probably had overexcitement clouding some of my judgment on the shots. I could have played better but I am still very happy to be on the podium again; it means a lot after so long.”

Gunawan, who had beaten new world No 1 Jonatan Christie and Danish star Anders Antonsen, was dominant in the opening set. A 5-0 mini-run saw the 22-year-old extend his lead to 16-7 before he took the first set 21-9 at Shenzhen Arena.
Facing an 8-1 deficit in the second set, Lee crawled back to trail only 12-11 at one point, but Gunawan kept his composure to seal the second set 21-16, adding to his previous world tour victory in India when he won the Syed Modi International, a Super 300 event, in November last year.
The defeat meant Lee remained without a title since winning the Hong Kong Open on home soil in 2019, after losing four finals between 2023 and 2025.
Up next for Lee and Gunawan will be the Asian Games, where they will compete alongside 18 others, eight men and 10 women. Lee and Ng will feature in the men’s singles and team events, while Gunawan will play only in the team event.
“This definitely boosts my confidence and it’s a very good preparation for the Nagoya Asian Games, and thank you for all the home crowd support today,” Lee said.


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Jason Gunawan celebrates his moment of victory at the China Masters in Shenzhen on Sunday with the vanquished Lee Cheuk-yiu in the background. Photo: Xinhua

Lee Cheuk-yiu said he was pleased to be in a final again. Photo: AFP

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Venise Chan (left) is aiming to “win every match” at her fourth Asian Games. Photo: Venise Chan

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World No 25 Lee Cheuk-yiu loses to compatriot Jason Gunawan, who wins first Super 750 event after also beating world No 1 Jonatan Christie


World No 25 Lee Cheuk-yiu loses to compatriot Jason Gunawan, who wins first Super 750 event after also beating world No 1 Jonatan Christie.


Angus Ng Ka-long

Gunawan claims China Masters, beaten Lee hails ‘best day’ in Hong Kong badminton history

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}World No 25 Lee Cheuk-yiu loses to compatriot Jason Gunawan, who wins first Super 750 event after also beating world No 1 Jonatan Christie

World No 25 Lee Cheuk-yiu loses to compatriot Jason Gunawan, who wins first Super 750 event after also beating world No 1 Jonatan Christie