“I’m so excited I can’t express how my emotion right now is.”

Jason Gunawan’s words after securing his first-ever HSBC BWF World Tour title summed up a moment that felt almost too big for him to put into sentences.

In his debut final, the Hong Kong China shuttler stunned home favourite Srikanth Kidambi 21-16 8-21 22-20 to win the Syed Modi India International 2025 in Lucknow – an achievement that instantly became a milestone for both his career and his country.

“It was like a rollercoaster,” Gunawan said. “It was exciting and had drama. This is the most unforgettable memory of my career.”

The victory also marked Hong Kong China’s first men’s singles World Tour title in over a year, following Ng Ka Long Angus’ triumph at the Macau Open last September. Fittingly, that Macau tournament had been Gunawan’s previous career highlight – a semifinal run halted by Jason Teh.

Now, with a title in hand and a breakthrough made, he’s already looking ahead.

“This is a great step for my career and it’s only the beginning,” he said. “I hope it will be better and better in the future.”

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• In men’s doubles, 2024 world junior champions Kang Khai Xing/Aaron Tai opened their account at the senior level, overcoming compatriots Chia Wei Jie/Lwi Sheng Hao 21-9 21-19.
• Japanese 20-year-old Hina Akechi also secured her maiden World Tour crown with a 21-16 21-14 victory over surprise women’s singles finalist Neslihan Arin.

→ Results (Finals)