January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
TOKYO, July 20 — China’s former world number one Shi Yuqi claimed the Japan Open title on Sunday, defeating defending champion Alex Lanier of France 21-17, 21-15 in the men’s singles final.
In the women’s singles, South Korea’s An Se-young continued her dominant form by beating China’s Wang Zhiyi 21-12, 21-10, capturing her sixth title in just seven tournaments this year.
Although Shi lost his world number one ranking to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in June, he proved too strong for 20-year-old Lanier in Tokyo. After edging a close first game, Shi wore down his young opponent to seal the victory in 50 minutes.
“I focused on playing at my own pace. Even if I was behind, I knew it was important to hang in there,” said Shi, currently ranked world number three. The win marks his third title of the season. “My opponent is young and physically strong, so I had to stick to my own game.”
Lanier, who made history last year by winning his first major senior title at the Japan Open, followed that with a European Championship win in April. Looking ahead to the World Championships next month in Paris, he acknowledged the pressure of defending his title in Tokyo.
“I don't think it affected me mentally, but physically, there’s definitely more pressure,” he said. “Movements aren’t as relaxed, and there are some timing and footwork issues.”
World number one An Se-young extended her impressive streak with a commanding win over second seed Wang. Her only loss this year came in the Singapore Open quarter-finals.
“I always identify areas for improvement and focus on them during training,” said the 23-year-old Olympic gold medallist. “I constantly challenge myself, and that’s what brings these results — putting in the extra effort where it’s needed.”
China also dominated the doubles events. Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin secured the mixed doubles title after a hard-fought 21-19, 16-21, 21-15 win over Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Suprissara Paewsampran.
In women’s doubles, top seeds Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning triumphed over Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan with a 21-15, 21-14 victory.
South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae clinched the men’s doubles crown, defeating Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin 21-16, 21-17. — AFP
