Canada Open: Okimoto Halts Lai’s Home Title Bid

Victor Lai’s hopes of contesting a second consecutive home final at YONEX Canada Open 2026 ended on Saturday after a three-game defeat to Yudai Okimoto.

Chasing the distinction of becoming the first Canadian men’s singles champion in 21 years, the top-seeded Lai made a strong start by taking the opening game 21-15. However, the 21-year-old Okimoto responded with a 21-16 win before pulling away 21-11 in the decider. Lai, who appeared hampered by a left knee problem, struggled to match the Japanese shuttler’s pace as the match wore on.

World No.29 Okimoto advances to an all-Japanese final against Riki Takei, who earlier ended Paris 2024 bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia’s campaign with a 21-13 18-21 21-18 victory in 70 minutes. Japan are also guaranteed the women’s doubles title after Hinata Suzuki/Nao Yamakita and Kaho Osawa/Mai Tanabe set up a title bout against each other.

With representatives in all five finals, Japan have on Sunday the chance to become the first nation since England in 2004 to complete a sweep at the Canada Open.

Among those is Riko Gunji, who upset another Canadian top seed Michelle Li, 21-13 21-17 in the women’s singles semifinals. She will face US Open champion Line Christophersen, who has reached back-to-back HSBC BWF World Tour finals for the first time in her career.

Chinese Taipei’s Liu Kuang Heng and Hsu Yin Hui also advanced to a second straight final, defeating top-seeded mixed pair Presley Smith/Jennie Gai 21-9 23-21, a week after claiming the US Open title.