Liu Sheng Shu, crowned world junior champion in women’s and mixed doubles just three months ago, has won an HSBC BWF World Tour event at the first time of asking.

The 18-year-old, playing alongside Zhang Shu Xian at DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2023, aced the women’s doubles final against former world No.1s Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota in straight games – 22-20 21-19 – at the Istora Senayan today.

Despite being partnered for the first time, Liu and Zhang remarkably dropped only one game – in the quarterfinals against compatriots Tan Ning/Xia Yu Ting – and ousted top seeds Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida en route to the title.

“We are quite surprised we could win but the key was we didn’t overthink before the match. The opponents are our seniors, we have learned a lot from them,” said Liu, who looked composed throughout the battle despite her tender badminton years.

“I’m still young so I try not to worry too much about results or setting targets. The opportunity to learn is more precious,” added the youngster about her calm on-court demeanour.

At October’s BWF World Junior Championships in Santander, Spain, Liu won in women’s doubles with Wang Ting Ge and mixed doubles with Zhu Yi Jun.

Zhang meanwhile, competed in the season’s first two tournaments – PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023 and YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2023 – with Zheng Yu but they failed to reach both finals.

Zhang and Liu next move on to Bangkok, where they will play in the PRINCESS SIRIVANNAVARI Thailand Masters 2023. The Super 300 event starts Tuesday.

→ Results (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“We can sense our performances are getting better. We hope to keep this momentum going.” – Sayaka Hirota

“Even after long rallies I don’t feel any pain in my knee. This is the best feeling. I’m on my way.” – Carolina Marin

“I’ve been tired from the first round. But I’m learning to persevere and tell myself to keep pushing because I want to win at my second Olympic Games.” – An Se Young

“He behaves like a senior. He knows how to deal with difficult situations, helps me get through them. I don’t see him as a kid.” – Olympic champion Huang Dong Ping on partnering 21-year-old Feng Yan Zhe

“To finish runners-up to our seniors after starting in the qualification round is a very rewarding experience for a young pair like us.” – Wei Ya Xin

“This is my first title above the Super 300 level. I lost many big finals in the last three-four years. It was hard but I kept the faith.” – Jonatan Christie

“By going to Bangkok (to prepare for Thailand Masters)!” – Daniel Marthin on how he plans to celebrate