Japan Open: Kong Makes Triumphant Return After Surgery
Kong Hee Yong’s return to competitive badminton following a right knee surgery culminated in a dream title, with the women’s doubles final among the most dramatic in recent times.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Kong was out of action after the Badminton Asia Team Championships in February for the knee surgery and rehab; the world No.8 making a return with Kim Hye Jeong only at DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026. The high point of the return was in the final game against Jia Yi Fan/Zhang Shu Xian, which went the Koreans’ way, 14-21 21-15 30-29. The see-sawing final game saw either side have six match points before Zhang blew a kill just wide, and the Koreans collapsing in a flood of emotions.
“I didn’t think I could reach the final after my surgery,” said Kong. “I want to thank Kim, she helped me a lot here and I’m so happy with this title.”
With the final stretch of the third game featuring brilliant winners as well as errors from both sides, Kim said the key was to shut out the mistakes they had made.