China swept all five mixed doubles matches in the opening round of the 2026 Japan Masters, sending every pair through to the next stage without a single elimination.
The world number-one mixed doubles pair did not enter the Super 500 tournament. That absence left five younger duos to carry the national team’s mixed doubles entries through the first round of competition.
Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin posted the shortest and most decisive victory of the day. They defeated Hariharan and Crasto 21-7, 21-9 while maintaining control of the pace and transition play throughout the match.
Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui also advanced in straight sets against Huang Xianwei and Zhong Shuyun. After taking the first game 21-8, Guo and Chen weathered a late push in the second game to win 23-21.
Gao Jiaxuan and Wu Mengying defeated Dejan and Felisha 22-20, 21-14 by holding their nerve in tight late-game sequences during the opening set. Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi overcame Chen Ziyi and Wang Xixi 22-20, 21-13 after an initial stretch of trading points.
Zhu Yijun and Li Qian survived the most demanding match of the round against Malaysian veterans Wu Xunfa and Lai Jiemin. Zhu and Li won the first game 21-19, lost the second 21-23, and secured the deciding game 23-21 in a tightly contested finish.
The five victories establish a clean sweep for the younger generation of Chinese mixed doubles players. The tournament continues with the second round, where Gao and Wu face Guo and Chen in an all-Chinese matchup.
