Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto have reignited their careers by forming a brand new partnership and committing to a yr collectively. By profitable the Malaysia Open S1000 they’ve proven that they’re able to face the perfect on the earth.
Yuki and Mayu first teamed up on the 2020 Uber Cup – a scratch pairing born from the absence of their common companions. Initially seen as a stopgap the duo confirmed promise however the relationship was placed on ice after the match. Quick ahead to the top of 2024 and the partnership was given one other probability to blossom.
Yuki at 31 years outdated may have chosen an honourable wind-down to retirement after a collection of setbacks together with the heartbreaking damage to her accomplice on the Tokyo Olympics and the missed qualification for Paris 2024. As a substitute, she discovered a brand new spark by linking up with Akira Koga in blended doubles and picked up wins that reinvigorated her confidence. Then got here the retirement of Mayu’s long-term accomplice Wakana Nagahara, prompting Mayu to depart her home workforce and be part of up with Yuki at Honegori Sagamihara.
Now, the pair has pledged to spend a yr competing collectively; aiming to play with freedom and keep away from the strain of excessive expectations. It’s a sensible strategy that permits them to embrace their potential with out the burden of perfection.
Their chemistry on courtroom is simple; their smiles are uplifting. Yuki could be a good defensive anchor; calmly absorbing strain and establishing assaults. Mayu has a pointy, laborious smash and a very good attain so the rotation between them doesn’t expose weak point however I desire her across the entrance courtroom. She has braveness and good spatial sense. Her cross courtroom play and audacious photographs can flip a rally’s momentum round. There are nonetheless errors of communication between them however the base degree of two former world #1 is so excessive they need to have the ability to overcome glitches.
FukuMatsu have arrived. Who is aware of how far this journey will take them? The Malaysia Open victory was only the start of what guarantees to be an exciting partnership.
In the event you loved this then check out my piece about FukuHiro on the Tokyo Olympics right here https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2021/08/27/yuki-and-sayaka-at-the-olympics/
My pal – Rene Biaoli usually writes about Malaysian badminton and you will discover his web site right here https://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/hello-axiata-arena/
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Amanda Bloss All Rights Reserved
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