MUNGYEONG, South Korea — In a triumphant return to the top of the soft tennis world, Japanese legend Hayashida Riko—nicknamed the “Racket Genius”—reclaimed the mixed doubles title at the 104th DongA Ilbo Cup on May 7, ending a two-year absence from the summit.

Partnering with Kim Hansol of Suwon City, Hayashida and her team defeated the Jininde University–Kim Minju (Daegu IM Bank) pair 4-1 in just 20 minutes at the Mungyeong International Soft Tennis Court. The victory marks Hayashida’s second mixed doubles championship at this prestigious tournament, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in Korean soft tennis.

The Comeback of a Soft Tennis Icon

Hayashida, a former Japanese national team player, made headlines in 2024 when she joined the Korean professional circuit as its first foreign player. After retiring from international competition in 2022, she moved to South Korea for language studies before signing with the Suncheon City team. Her immediate impact was undeniable: in her debut year, she swept the DongA Ilbo Cup in mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and women’s singles—a historic first for a Japanese player at the event.

Her absence from the top step in 2025 was notable, as she finished third in mixed doubles that year. However, her determination and tactical adjustments paid off this season. “Every time I finished third, I thought, ‘This time, I must be first,'” Hayashida told reporters after the match. “This year, I decided to focus on mixed doubles and women’s singles to reclaim my titles.”

Tactical Mastery and the Road Ahead

Hayashida’s success in mixed doubles contrasts with her early exit in the women’s doubles event, where she and her partner lost 2-4 to Japan’s Wattyu team. Reflecting on the setback, she acknowledged a shift in strategy: “We played too defensively. For singles, I’ll switch to an aggressive approach—’attack from the start’—to secure my crown.”

Her singles campaign begins May 8, with Hayashida aiming to reclaim the women’s singles title she won in 2024. The tournament, held at the Mungyeong International Soft Tennis Court, draws international attention for its high level of play and rigorous competition. With over 600 athletes from 30 countries participating, the DongA Ilbo Cup remains a cornerstone of the soft tennis calendar.

Global Impact and the Future of Korean Soft Tennis

Hayashida’s presence has injected fresh energy into Korean soft tennis, inspiring a new generation of athletes and broadening the sport’s international appeal. As the only foreign player in the league, her success challenges stereotypes and underscores the sport’s growing global unity.

For fans and analysts, Hayashida’s return to dominance is a reminder of the sport’s depth and the enduring appeal of her signature style—a blend of precision, power, and relentless aggression. With the 2026 season just beginning, all eyes are on her singles campaign and whether she can complete a historic double at the DongA Ilbo Cup.

Key Takeaways

• Hayashida’s Victory: Reclaimed the mixed doubles title at the 104th DongA Ilbo Cup, her second championship in the event.
• Tactical Shift: Acknowledged defensive play in doubles; plans aggressive singles campaign.
• Global Influence: First foreign player in the Korean league, inspiring international growth.
• Next Challenge: Women’s singles begins May 8; potential for historic double crown.
• Tournament Context: Mungyeong International Soft Tennis Court, 600+ athletes from 30 countries.

How to Follow

The DongA Ilbo Cup continues through May 12, with Hayashida’s singles campaign drawing global interest. For updates, follow official tournament announcements and Korean Soft Tennis Association releases.