Japan Open: Impressive Wins for Yang, Buhrova
Brian Yang claimed his first big-name victim in a while as he fought to a three-game win over Loh Kean Yew to make the second round of DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Brian Yang claimed his first big-name victim in a while as he fought to a three-game win over Loh Kean Yew to make the second round of DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026.
The Canadian, who has struggled to find form on the HSBC BWF World Tour over the last year, last beat a top 10 player in January, at the India Open. Against the Singaporean world No.13, Yang kept his composure through an uneven third game, shaking off a mini-comeback by Loh to close it out 21-17 18-21 21-18.
“Of course, we all know that Kean Yew is a really talented player. So coming into today's match, the pressure was more on him, he’s the higher seed, so that kind of helped me win,” said Yang. “I was able to play more patient, not too rushed, especially because this arena is really big, it’s hard to kill the shuttle. So patience is key.”