Matsuyama and Shida: Title-Winning Feeling Returns
Before a memorable Sunday in mid-March turned things around for them, it had been 15 months since Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida last won a title.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The title drought was somewhat surprising, for they have been among the most consistent pairs on the circuit. Since their last title – the China Masters in November 2023 – they rarely failed to make the latter rounds of most events they were in.
Last season they were in four finals and four semifinals – including a bronze medal finish at Paris 2024. Yet, they were struggling to cross the last barrier.
Eventually, it was at one of their favourite tournaments – the All England, which they had won in 2022 and were finalists last year – that the drought was broken. They had to earn it the hard way, battling compatriots Mayu Matsumoto and Yuki Fukushima over 83 minutes in a match that swung their way only at the very end.