The BWF World Championships in New Delhi will mark a familiar return for two former mixed doubles stars, but Yuta Watanabe and Sapsiree Taerattanachai will arrive at this year’s tournament with new partners.
Three years after their last appearance at the World Championships, Watanabe and Sapsiree are back on the sport’s biggest stage, each beginning a new chapter in their careers.
Watanabe previously enjoyed a highly successful partnership with Arisa Higashino, while Sapsiree formed a formidable mixed doubles combination with Dechapol Puavaranukroh. Both pairings were among the leading forces in the discipline before their respective partnerships came to an end.
Now, Watanabe and Sapsiree will attempt to make an impact with their new partners as they return to the World Championships.
For Watanabe, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase his experience at the highest level. The Japanese shuttler has already established himself as one of the most accomplished mixed doubles players of his generation and will be looking to adapt quickly to his new partnership.
Sapsiree will also be relying on her wealth of experience as she begins another World Championships campaign. Her previous partnership with Dechapol produced major international success, making her return to the event particularly intriguing.
The change in partners adds an extra layer of uncertainty to the mixed doubles competition in New Delhi. Established combinations will enter the tournament as favourites, but Watanabe and Sapsiree have the experience and quality to challenge the leading pairs if they can develop the right chemistry with their new teammates.
The World Championships will therefore provide an important test for both players as they look to establish themselves in the next phase of their careers.
With the tournament taking place in New Delhi this August, badminton fans can expect plenty of attention on the new partnerships and whether the former champions can recreate their best form on the biggest stage.
For Watanabe and Sapsiree, the setting may be familiar, but almost everything else will be different this time around.
