Chen Yufei and Wang Zhiyi to Skip 2026 Korea Open
Top Chinese badminton players Chen Yufei and Wang Zhiyi will not participate in the 2026 Korea Open, opting instead to compete in the Japan Masters.
Quick facts
- The 2026 Korea Open is scheduled for November 3-8 in Yeosu, South Korea.
- Chen Yufei (world No. 4) and Wang Zhiyi (world No. 2) are not on the entry list for the Korea Open.
- Both players have registered to compete in the Japan Masters held shortly after the Korea Open.
Why it matters
The decision by top Chinese players to skip the Korea Open reflects the intense scheduling requirements of the BWF World Tour. Players often balance mandatory participation quotas with travel logistics and recovery time. The choice to favor the Japan Masters over the Korea Open suggests a strategic selection of tournaments in the late-season calendar.
Chinese badminton stars Chen Yufei and Wang Zhiyi will not be competing in the 2026 Korea Open, scheduled to take place in Yeosu from November 3 to 8. Their absence comes as a notable change for fans expecting a clash between the world's top-ranked players.
Why are they skipping the tournament?
While the Korea Open is a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, participation for top-ranked players is not mandatory in the same way it is for higher-level Super 1000 or 750 tournaments. According to reports, while top players are required to participate in a certain number of Super 500 events annually, the Chinese stars have opted to prioritize the Japan Masters, which begins on November 10 in Kumamoto.
Who will be at the Korea Open?
Despite the absence of Chen and Wang, the tournament will still feature major talent. World No. 1 An Se-young has confirmed her participation, as has Japan's Yamaguchi Akane. The men's singles field remains strong, featuring players such as Indonesia's Jonatan Christie and Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
For the Chinese team, only Han Qianxi (ranked 29th) is currently registered to compete in the women's singles division at the event in Yeosu. The specific reasoning behind the scheduling preference for the Japan Masters over the Korea Open has not been officially detailed beyond their tournament registration choices.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chen Yufei not playing in the Korea Open?
Chen Yufei, along with Wang Zhiyi, has chosen not to register for the 2026 Korea Open. Instead, they have opted to participate in the Japan Masters, which takes place shortly after the conclusion of the Korea Open.
When and where is the 2026 Korea Open held?
The 2026 Korea Open is scheduled to take place from November 3 to 8, 2026, in the city of Yeosu, South Korea.
Will An Se-young participate in the Korea Open?
Yes, world No. 1 An Se-young has confirmed her participation in the 2026 Korea Open, which will be held in her home country.
Are there any Chinese players competing in the women's singles?
Yes, while top stars like Chen Yufei and Wang Zhiyi are absent, Han Qianxi, ranked 29th in the world, is the only player from the Chinese team currently listed to compete in the women's singles category.
What is the status of the Japan Masters?
The Japan Masters is scheduled to begin on November 10, 2026, in Kumamoto, just two days after the conclusion of the Korea Open. Many top-ranked players have registered for this event.
Why do top players skip Super 500 events?
BWF regulations require top 15 players to participate in a specific number of Super 500 events annually, but they are not required to play in every single one, allowing players to choose tournaments that fit their training and travel schedules.
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Last checked Oct 3, 2026 at 6:30 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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