Anders Antonsen survived a dramatic three-game battle against Japan’s Yushi Tanaka to win the men’s singles title at the 2026 Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland, on Sunday.
The world No. 6 came back from a game down and saved a championship point before defeating world No. 18 Tanaka 16-21, 21-16, 27-25 after 86 minutes of high-quality badminton.
The victory gave Antonsen his second title of the 2026 season, following his earlier triumph at the Thailand Open. It also extended his unbeaten record against Tanaka to four consecutive wins.
Tanaka Takes the Opening Game
Antonsen started strongly and moved ahead 7-3, but Tanaka settled into the match quickly and fought back to level at 8-8.
The Japanese player then changed the momentum. After trailing 9-11, he won three consecutive points to move ahead 12-11. With Tanaka holding a narrow 15-14 lead later in the game, he produced the decisive run. He won six straight points to take the game 21-16.
Antonsen Responds to Force a Decider
The second game followed a different pattern. Tanaka led 6-4 early, but Antonsen responded with four consecutive points and gradually began dictating the rallies.
Tanaka stayed within striking distance and narrowed the gap to 14-15. Antonsen, however, refused to give up his advantage. The Dane stayed composed through the closing stages and won the game 21-16 to force a deciding game.
- Champion: Anders Antonsen (Denmark)
- Runner-up: Yushi Tanaka (Japan)
- Score: 16-21, 21-16, 27-25
Antonsen Saves Match Point in a Dramatic Decider
Neither player could establish a decisive advantage in the final game. Tanaka moved ahead 10-9, but the score swung back and forth as both players fought for control.
Tanaka earned the first championship point at 20-19. Antonsen saved it and levelled at 20-20.
What followed was an extended battle beyond 21 points, with both players repeatedly creating chances to close out the match. Antonsen held his nerve at the decisive moment, winning the final two points to take the game 27-25 and complete the comeback.
Second Title of 2026 for Anders Antonsen
The win completed a successful week for the 29-year-old Dane, who also beat Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in three games in the semifinals. Antonsen won that match 21-11, 15-21, 21-16 before overcoming Tanaka in another demanding three-game contest on finals day.
The Arctic Open crown is Antonsen’s second championship of the season and gives him valuable momentum heading into the next stretch of the BWF World Tour.
Mia Blichfeldt Stuns Ratchanok Intanon in Women’s Singles Final
Denmark also celebrated the women’s singles title, as Mia Blichfeldt produced a convincing victory over Thailand’s top seed Ratchanok Intanon. The eighth-seeded Dane won 21-17, 21-13 in straight games.
- Champion: Mia Blichfeldt (Denmark)
- Runner-up: Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand)
Blichfeldt controlled the match well against one of the most experienced players in women’s badminton. She completed her title run without allowing the Thai star to force a deciding game.
Chen Fan Shu Tian and Luo Xu Min Win Women’s Doubles
China claimed the women’s doubles title through Chen Fan Shu Tian and Luo Xu Min. The pair defeated Chinese Taipei’s second seeds Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih Yun 21-18, 21-19 in a closely contested final.
- Champions: Chen Fan Shu Tian/Luo Xu Min (China)
- Runners-up: Hsu Yin-Hui/Lin Jhih Yun (Chinese Taipei)
Both games stayed competitive, but Chen and Luo were more composed at the key moments and closed out the match in straight games.
Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin Take All-China Mixed Doubles Final
China also secured the mixed doubles title. Third seeds Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin defeated compatriots Gao Jia Xuan and Wu Meng Ying, winning 21-18, 21-16 to complete a strong Arctic Open campaign.
- Champions: Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (China)
- Runners-up: Gao Jia Xuan/Wu Meng Ying (China)
2026 Arctic Open Finals Results
- Men’s Singles: Anders Antonsen (Denmark) beat Yushi Tanaka (Japan) 16-21, 21-16, 27-25
- Women’s Singles: Mia Blichfeldt (Denmark) beat Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) 21-17, 21-13
- Women’s Doubles: Chen Fan Shu Tian/Luo Xu Min (China) beat Hsu Yin-Hui/Lin Jhih Yun (Chinese Taipei) 21-18, 21-19
- Mixed Doubles: Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (China) beat Gao Jia Xuan/Wu Meng Ying (China) 21-18, 21-16
Antonsen’s 86-minute battle with Tanaka provided the most dramatic finish of the day. The Dane recovered from a game down, survived a match point and sealed the title 27-25 in the deciding game.