Kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong Win Japan Open After 10 Deuces

In the women's doubles at the Japan Open, world No. 6 Kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong defeated the world No. 2 Chinese pair to claim the championship after a grueling battle that saw 10 deuces.

After splitting the first two games, the two teams remained locked in a tight contest until the final third game.

Kim and Kong took the lead, but the Chinese pair kept closing the gap. When Kim and Kong led 21-20 at match point, they conceded a point, sending the game into deuce.

In badminton, if a game reaches 29-29 due to repeated deuces, the first team to reach 30 points wins. The two teams engaged in a fierce battle, reaching 29-29 after a staggering 10 deuces.

In this final, high-stakes showdown, a smash from the Chinese player was ruled out following a video review, putting an end to the breathtaking 99-minute match. Kim and Kong collapsed onto the court, shedding tears of joy as they celebrated their victory.

Having won the Japan Open following their success at the Uber Cup last May, Kim and Kong have brightened their prospects for the Nagoya Asian Games in September.

(Video Editing: Hwang Ji-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.