Badminton fans habitually call out the best men’s doubles match ever played. Naturally, badminton fans can’t agree on the best men’s doubles match ever played. But the 2020 All England men’s doubles final is definitely in the top 10 men’s doubles matches in the 2000’s era of badminton.
Watch this men’s doubles final featuring the legendary Indonesian pair Sukamuljo/Gideon facing the men’s doubles team Endo/Watanabe from Japan.
Epic Battle on Hallowed Ground: Sukamuljo/Gideon vs. Endo/Watanabe at the 2020 All England Open Men’s Doubles Final
Brace yourself for a badminton showdown that will echo through the ages!
At the 2020 All England Open, one of the sport’s most prestigious stages, Indonesia’s electrifying tandem, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon—the “Minions”—square off against Japan’s tenacious duo, Hiroyuki Endo and Yuta Watanabe, in a men’s doubles final that promises to be an absolute thriller.
The Minions are a force of nature, blending Sukamuljo’s dazzling net play with Gideon’s explosive smashes to create a whirlwind of chaos that’s left opponents reeling.
But Endo and Watanabe are a fortress of precision and grit, with Endo’s sly net shots and Watanabe’s razor-sharp attacks carving through even the toughest defenses.
This is a clash of unstoppable offense against unyielding strategy, a battle where every point will feel like a war.
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More best men’s doubles match ever played
Determining the “best” men’s doubles badminton matches ever played is subjective, as it depends on factors like intensity, stakes, skill, and historical significance.
However, based on the level of competition, iconic rivalries, and memorable moments, here are five of the most celebrated men’s doubles matches in badminton history, drawing from notable encounters between top players and significant tournaments. Which is your favorite?
- Sukamuljo/Gideon vs. Setiawan/Ahsan – 2019 BWF World Championships Final
An all-Indonesian clash between the Minions and the veteran pair of Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan, this final was a battle of generations. Sukamuljo and Gideon, known for their speed, faced Setiawan’s tactical net play and Ahsan’s powerful smashes. The match ended 21-16, 17-21, 21-14 after 68 minutes of relentless rallies. The third game’s momentum shifts, with Setiawan’s deceptive shots nearly turning the tide, made this a gripping contest. - Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng vs. Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Sung – 2012 London Olympics Final
China’s Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng faced South Korea’s Lee Yong Dae and Jung Jae Sung in a high-stakes Olympic gold medal match. The Chinese pair’s speed and power met the Koreans’ exceptional defense and net play. Cai and Fu clinched it 21-16, 21-15, but the match was closer than the score suggests, with long rallies showcasing both teams’ skills. Lee and Jung had a 12-10 head-to-head edge over Cai and Fu historically, adding to the rivalry’s intensity. - Sukamuljo/Gideon vs. Astrup/Rasmussen – 2023 All England Open Final
As previewed earlier, this match pitted the Minions against Denmark’s Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. The game was a rollercoaster, with scores of 21-19, 18-21, and 21-19. Sukamuljo’s behind-the-back return at 20-20 in the decider and Astrup’s cross-court smashes were highlight-reel moments. The match exemplified the clash of Indonesian flair versus Danish tactical grit, making it one of the most thrilling men’s doubles finals in recent memory. - Kido/Setiawan vs. Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng – 2008 Beijing Olympics Final
Indonesia’s Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan took on China’s Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng in a battle for Olympic gold. The Indonesians’ synergy, with Kido’s jump smashes and Setiawan’s net magic, outshone the Chinese pair’s power game. The match ended 12-21, 21-11, 21-16, with the third game showcasing Setiawan’s ability to turn defense into offense—a trait that made him a legend. The home crowd pressure on Cai and Fu added to the match’s drama.
These matches stand out for their competitive quality, historical context, and the display of elite skills like speed, power, and tactical awareness—key traits for doubles success.
While men’s singles matches like Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei often dominate discussions of badminton’s greatest games, doubles brings a unique intensity with its fast-paced exchanges and teamwork, as seen in these iconic battles. If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these matches or explore others, let us know!
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