The BWF China Masters are among the most prestigious badminton tournaments of Asia and present the best talents in the world year after year. Since their introduction in 2005, they have established themselves as a stage for legends and as a springboard for aspiring stars. Over the years, the tournament has produced epic duels, iconic rivalries and the crowning globe of champions, which have shaped whole eras.
With prize money of $ 1,000,000 and valuable world ranking points, the China Masters regularly attract the biggest names of sport. From China’s early dominance with Lin Dan and Chen Long to the return of Japan through Kento Momota and Kodai Naraoka, the event has decisively shaped the global history of the badminton.
The tournament, which is held annually (with the exception of the Pandemie Years 2020-2022), developed from its origins as Fuzhou China Open to a Super 750 event of the BWF World Tour. The stage in Shenzhen is synonymous with historical achievements and unforgettable moments.
In this article we take a closer look at the winners in the men’s singles from 2005 to 2024 – every year, every champion and the story behind their triumph.
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2005 – Lin and
The first edition of the China Masters in 2005 was immediately shaped by a legend: Lin Dan. At that time already known as the “Super Dan”, he showed his outstanding technology and physical skills on home soil. His victory not only underlined his dominance in this era, but also China’s role as the strongest badminton nation. With powerful butterfly balls and precise network game, he gave his opponents little chance. For Lin this was another step on the way to his long list of international title. The triumph in Fuzhou also served as a motivation for younger Chinese players. His success marked the beginning of a tournament history, which remains closely connected to his name.
2006 – Chen Jin
A year later, Chen Jin was able to register in the list of winners. As an emerging star in the Chinese men’s singles, he used the tournament to mark his breakthrough at the highest level. His victory showed that China had a remarkable depth of talents. Chen Jin convinced strength and tactical intelligence. With this title, he secured important world ranking points and won confidence for major events. He contributed to further expanding China’s dominance and increasing the pressure on international rivals. For many fans, this was the moment when Chen Jin established himself as a serious contender for big titles.
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2007 – Lin and
In 2007 Lin Dan returned and demonstrated his class again. His second title at the China Masters confirmed his role as the undisputed superstar. In this phase of his career, he seemed almost unbeatable, both physically and mentally. He dominated his opponents with an explosive athletics and tactical flair. This victory strengthened its reputation as the face of badminton sports. For the Chinese fans, it was a special moment to see their heroes triumph on their home soil. Lin Dan used the title to further expand his supremacy and to consolidate his legacy. It was a clear indication that he would set the pace for many years.
2008 – Sony Dwi Kuncoro
In 2008 the China Masters experienced a small sensation. Sony DWI Kuncoro from Indonesia broke China’s winning streak. With impressive mobility and strong offensive game, he prevailed against the local heroes. His triumph was a symbol for Indonesia’s proud badminton tradition. It showed that foreign players could also exist on Chinese soil. Sony demonstrated nerve strength in crucial moments and rewarded himself with one of the biggest titles of his career. The victory strengthened Indonesia’s position as one of the few countries that were able to challenge China’s dominance. This was a remarkable turning point for tournament history.
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2009 – Lin and
Lin Dan struck back impressively in 2009. With his third title, he made it clear that the China Masters were his tournament. He played with the usual sovereignty and a mixture of attack and elegance. His victory confirmed his status as one of the greatest players of all time. It seemed almost inviolable on home ground. With this title he continued to write about his unique success story. For the Chinese audience, it was a festival to celebrate the national heroes again. The rivals knew that a victory against Lin Dan was one of the most difficult tasks in badminton.
2010 – Lin and
Lin Dan triumphed again in 2010 and further expanded his title series. With this fourth success with the China Masters, he showed that his dominance was unbroken. His game was characterized by enormous precision and tactical intelligence. Every ball change looked like a masterpiece of control and technology. This victory was an important step on the way to further international successes, including World Championships and Olympic Games. The China Masters became more and more developed into “Lin Dans tournament”.
2011 – Chen Long
In 2011 Chen Long entered the spotlight and won his first China Masters title. As Lin Dans designated successor, he showed that he was ready to take responsibility. His victory marked the beginning of a new era in the Chinese men’s singles. Chen Long convinced with his athletics, patience and his ability to tactically control matches. For many, this title was the start of his later role as world champion and Olympic champion. The victory also strengthened China’s undisputed position in the badminton.
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2012 – Chen Long
A year later, Chen Long confirmed his promotion with a second win in a row. He dominated the tournament with growing maturity and self -confidence. His ability to win long rallies was a crucial factor. The title cemented its status as one of the best players in the world. For Chen, this was another step towards his later career as a permanent rival of Lin Dan. For China it meant security to remain at the top in the men’s singles in the future.
2013 – Wang Zhengming
In 2013 Wang Zhengming provided a little surprise. In a field full of favorites, he managed to assert himself and win the title. His victory was a highlight of his career and proof of the width of the Chinese squad. He won the title with an aggressive game and a brave tactic. For many fans it was a pleasant moment to see a new name at the top. Even if Wang Zhengming International was not able to build on Lin Dan or Chen Long’s success, his victory with the China Masters remains a special moment.
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2014 – Lin and
In 2014 Lin Dan returned and won the China Masters again. This fifth title showed that he was still part of the absolute top in the late stage of his career. With his experience and his unshakable self -confidence, he controlled the field. His victory was an emotional moment for fans who celebrated him as a living legend. For Lin himself, it was further proof that even after years of dominance he had lost nothing of quality.
2015 – Wang Zhengming
2015 was again the year of Wang Zhengming, who was able to secure his second China Masters title. With strong performance and a determined mentality, he prevailed against a difficult field of participants. His victory confirmed that he was not a one-hit wonder, but could keep up at the highest level. For China it was a further confirmation of the width of her talent in the men’s singles. Even if Wang did not reach Lin Dan or Chen Long’s global charisma, this success remains a special highlight of his career.
2016 – Lin and
In 2016 Lin Dan wrote history again by winning his sixth China Masters title. Hardly any other player had such a success series at a tournament. He once again showed that he was still one of the best at older age. With his experience and incomparable understanding of the game, he dominated the matches. His victory was another chapter in a career that is characterized by superlatives. For many, Lin Dan is still considered the greatest player ever – the China Masters are an important part of this legacy.
2017 – Tian Houwei
In 2017, Tian Houwei managed a remarkable success. He took the chance that resulted from the rotation in the Chinese squad and won the title. With a solid defensive game and clever tactics, he fought to the top. His victory showed how deep the level in the Chinese badminton is. For Tian Houwei it was the greatest success of his career. Even if he did not develop the same radiance internationally as Lin Dan or Chen Long, his triumph remains a highlight among the China Masters.
2018 – Kento Momota
A new era began in 2018: Kento Momota from Japan won the China Masters. After returning to the international stage, he dominated with incredible consistency. His victory was a symbol of Japan’s promotion in badminton. Momota’s precise, tactically brilliant game made him almost inviolable. The title in China was one of the foundations for his time as the world ranking list. For the fans it was a change to see a non-chinese triumph. For Momota itself it was a key moment in his career.
2019 – Kento Momota
A year later, Kento Momota repeated his triumph and successfully defended his title. He demonstrated that his success was no coincidence in 2018. He dominated again with his calm, controlled style of play. At the moment, the best player in the world was finally established. The double victory in China was proof of his extraordinary consistency. This was a historic moment for Japan, since they were now able to win titles against the Chinese superiority.
2023 – Kodai Naraoka
After the pandeme -related break, the tournament came back in 2023 – and Kodai Naraoka made headlines. He won the title with tireless energy and tactical maturity. His victory symbolized the rise of a new generation of Japanese players. Naraoka prevailed in tight matches and demonstrated its mental strength. For him it was a breakthrough on the very big stage. His success marked Japan’s continued presence at the world leaders of the badminton.
2024 – Anders Antonsen
In 2024, another wrote history: He won the China Masters as the first European winner since the tournament was introduced. With a brave attack game and an outstanding tournament performance, he prevailed against the Asian competition. His victory was a milestone for Denmark and Europe, which thus underlined their importance in badminton. For Antonsen it was one of the biggest titles in his career. He proved that European players can also insist on Asian soil. This triumph made him one of the faces of the modern badminton.
