Korea Open 2025: Jonatan Christie Reaches Korea Open Final, Eyes First Title of the Season

Jonatan Christie broke a stretch of underwhelming form to reach his first final since January, overcoming young compatriot Alwi Farhan in the semifinals of the SUWON VICTOR Korea Open 2025. The hard-fought 18-21, 21-14, 21-15 victory marks Christie’s third career final at the Korea Open.

Christie, runner-up at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025, had failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals in eight consecutive tournaments. But against rising Indonesian star Farhan, he found his rhythm after dropping the first game.

“I was injured after the Indonesia Masters,” Christie revealed. “I needed time for rehab and to strengthen my muscles and get back my confidence.”

He praised his 20-year-old opponent: “Farhan is playing very well, very fast. I made too many mistakes after the break in the opening game when I was leading 11-7. He was more aggressive. He’s my junior, and I’m happy to see his progress — beating players like Weng Hong Yang, Lin Chun-Yi, and Anders Antonsen at the Sudirman Cup. He’s definitely one to watch.”

Looking ahead, Christie added: “I just want to enjoy my game. This is my second final this year.”

He will face a familiar rival in Anders Antonsen, the 2023 Korea Open champion, who battled past Chou Tien Chen in a grueling 81-minute match, winning 22-24, 21-19, 21-10.

“It was one of those back-and-forth matches, and I’m just super happy to be on the winning side,” said Antonsen, who reaches his fourth final of the year. “Christie is a player I respect a lot. On his best days, he’s incredibly hard to beat. I’ll be humble and give it my best. It feels amazing to be in my second Korea Open final.”

Other Highlights from the Semifinals

Men’s Doubles:

Korea’s unstoppable duo Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae moved within reach of their eighth title of the season, dispatching Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi 21-16, 21-12. They will now face Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Fajar Alfian, the last pair to beat them, after the Indonesians cruised past Lee Jhe Huei/Yang Po Hsuan in straight games.

“We’re honoured to win in front of our home fans. One more match to go. We expect a tough game against the Indonesians, especially at the net and mid-court,” said Kim Won Ho.

Women’s Singles Final:

A blockbuster clash awaits as Olympic champion An Se Young goes for her eighth title of the season against reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi.

Mixed Doubles:

An all-China final is set between the world’s top two pairs: Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin vs Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping. “The wind in the venue was a challenge today, but we kept our focus and didn’t give up,” said Wei Ya Xin.

Women’s Doubles Final:

Top seeds Rin Iwanaga/Kie Nakanishi will face second seeds and Korean home favourites Kim Hye Jeong/Kong Hee Yong in a clash of elite pairings.