Top-ranked badminton men's doubles team seeking to return to winning ways at worlds

Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho, ranked world No. 1 in men's badminton doubles, have expressed their determination to return to their winning ways at the upcoming Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships. The championships commence in New Delhi on Monday, August 18, and conclude on August 23. As defending champions, they aim to become the first South Korean men's doubles team to secure back-to-back world titles, with Seo targeting his third consecutive crown after triumphing in 2023 alongside Kang Min-hyuk.

Despite their previous success, the pair acknowledges the need to work harder and improve for the second year in a row.

The South Korean duo had a remarkable 2025 season, clinching a record-equalling 11 titles at BWF international events, including their inaugural world championship together. However, their performance this year has been less impressive, with only two podium finishes since January. Seo and Kim were eliminated in the semifinals of the Singapore Open and Indonesia Open in June.

Since then, the team has taken a one-month break before returning to competition in July, but unfortunately lost the final to the Indonesian pairing of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri at both the Japan Open and China Open.

Seo admitted that opponents have been more successful at analyzing and countering the South Korean team's tendencies. He and Kim are working together to overcome this challenge, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead and putting in extra effort. To counter their opponents' improved preparation, Kim has been focusing on refining their serves, making them more unpredictable.

Seo has also been working on better handling taller opponents, bringing in additional training partners who are taller to help practice smashes and net plays. Despite their shorter stature, Seo remains confident in the team's ability to bounce back and claim the world title once again.