TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's top badminton player Chou Tien-chen (周天成) begins defending his Arctic Open title Tuesday (Oct. 7) in Finland as 24 Taiwanese players launch an ambitious month-long European tour. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) 2025 Arctic Open marks the crucial opening tournament for Taiwan's comprehensive international campaign across multiple countries. Chou faces a qualifier in his opening match as the fifth-ranked player worldwide seeks consecutive victories.
Chou clinched victory last year by defeating Indonesian star Jonatan Christie in straight sets as the globally fifth-ranked player seeking consecutive titles. He emphasized focusing on making correct court decisions rather than dwelling on title defense pressures, aiming to replicate his previous championship success. The tournament commenced with qualifying rounds across men's and women's singles and doubles categories, with winners advancing to the main draw competition.
Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟), who recently became a father, teams with Chiu Hsiang-chieh (邱相榤) against France's Popov brothers, Christo and Toma Junior, in men's doubles. Despite winning the Super 300 Taipei Open earlier this year, Wang and Chiu have struggled beyond the 16th round in other BWF events. The Arctic Open launches the European tour, followed by Super 750 events in Denmark and France, concluding with Germany's Super 500 Hylo Open. ◼