Jason Gunawan wins China Masters as Hong Kong celebrates historic badminton milestone

The city’s top player, Lee Cheuk-yiu, said he had witnessed the “best day in badminton history for Hong Kong” despite going down in straight sets against compatriot Jason Gunawan at the China Masters in Shenzhen on Sunday.

World No 25 Lee, who had finished second at the India Open in 2024 and 2025, stormed to the final after eliminating the likes of fellow Hongkonger Angus Ng Ka-long, French duo Toma Junior Popov and Christo Popov, the world No 2, as he progressed.

However, facing world No 32 Gunawan, who was playing in his career-first Super 750 event, Lee failed to reproduce the form that saw him reach his first Badminton World Federation World Tour final in 21 months.

“Despite the results, today is the best day in badminton history for Hong Kong,” the 30-year-old Lee said. “I have the greatest pleasure to play with and witness the first 750 winner finally coming home, congratulations to Jason.

“He played really well today. I probably had overexcitement clouding some of my judgment on the shots. I could have played better but I am still very happy to be on the podium again; it means a lot after so long.”

Gunawan, who had beaten new world No 1 Jonatan Christie and Danish star Anders Antonsen, was dominant in the opening set. A 5-0 mini-run saw the 22-year-old extend his lead to 16-7 before he took the first set 21-9 at Shenzhen Arena.