Malaysia Masters: Back Where She Belongs
Sayaka Hirota -- former world No.1 and one of badminton's tragic heroines with two knee injuries in the prime of her career – is back in an HSBC BWF World Tour final.
· DEV SUKUMAR
This time with the left-handed Ayako Sakuramoto, with whom she struck a partnership this year. After quarterfinals at their two previous tournaments, they are now in the final of the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2026. Not since the China Masters (Super 750) in November 2023 has Hirota been in the title round of a World Tour event.
Hirota’s first major injury was an ACL rupture to her right knee in the run-up to Tokyo 2020. The second -- another ACL rupture -- happened to her left knee two years later. Having spent the last few years recouping from the second setback, and after stints with other partners, Hirota has struck up a promising combination with Sakuramoto.
On Saturday Hirota and Sakuramoto fought off another right-left pair, Allison Quynh Lee/Lauren Lam, who were seeking to make history by becoming the first pair from USA in a World Tour Super 500 (or over) tournament. The Japanese had their hands full, with their opponents unafraid to challenge them, but a surge early in the third game proved sufficient as they emerged winners at 21-15 17-21 21-11.