TOKYO:

Japan's Kodai Naraoka won his first badminton title in two years after battling past countryman Kenta Nishimoto 21-11, 10-21, 21-15 in the Kumamoto Masters final on Sunday.

Naraoka, the world number 10, claimed his first piece of silverware since the China Open in November 2023 after coming through a tough scrap in western Japan.

He took the first game in little time but world number 13 Nishimoto hit straight back to level the match.

Naraoka eventually prevailed after a third-game slugfest, increasing his chances of qualifying for the season-ending World Tour Finals.

Thailand's world number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn was scheduled to play at the Kumamoto Masters but withdrew before the competition began.

His compatriot Ratchanok Intanon won the women's singles final, beating Indon

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