March 30, 2026 — At the conclusion of the 2026 Vietnam International Challenge, Team Kumpoo once again delivered outstanding results, capturing both the mixed doubles and women’s doubles titles and demonstrating the team’s overall competitive strength.
In the mixed doubles event, Team Kumpoo’s Chan Yin Chak competed wearing Kumpoo KH-G805 badminton shoes, working seamlessly with his partner to advance through the draw. In the semifinal against a Japanese pair, the match went to three intense games. With agile footwork and decisive execution at key moments, Chan secured his place in the final. Carrying his strong momentum into the championship match, he ultimately claimed the mixed doubles title. KH-G805, with its ultra-light feel and rapid braking performance, provided solid support for every explosive start and change of direction in high-speed rallies, becoming a crucial factor in his championship run.
On the women’s doubles court, Australian star Gronya Somerville showcased outstanding tactical awareness and physical endurance. She faced tough opponents in every round, with each match going the full three games. Relying on her determination and extensive experience, she repeatedly overcame difficult situations. Wielding the Kumpoo Ride the Wind 100 racket, Somerville fully leveraged its lightweight and agile characteristics to move her opponents and control the tempo of rallies, eventually securing the women’s doubles crown. The racket’s excellent handling allowed her to maintain the initiative during long, demanding exchanges.
In women’s singles, Malaysian player Kisona Selvaduray displayed remarkable fighting spirit. In the opening round, she battled a Hong Kong, China opponent through three hard-fought games, holding her nerve in crucial moments to secure a narrow victory. She then continued her strong form, advancing to the semifinals with consecutive straight-game wins. Facing the eventual champion in the semifinal, Kisona remained fearless and competitive. Although she fell short of the final, her resilience and strong performance earned the respect and applause of the audience.
In men’s singles, Team Kumpoo member Karono Karono also delivered a commendable showing. In the round of 16, he engaged in a grueling first game against a Chinese Taipei opponent that extended to a high score of 28–26, pushing both players to their physical limits. Karono demonstrated stronger mental composure at key moments, taking the opening game and riding the momentum to advance. Although he was eventually stopped in the quarterfinals, his fighting spirit won admiration from spectators.
Team Kumpoo fielded a full and competitive lineup at the Vietnam Challenge, with multiple athletes competing across events. Malaysian standout Cheam June Wei and Thailand’s Korakrit Laotrakul competed in men’s singles, while Indonesian singles player Dalila Aghnia Puteri represented Team Kumpoo in women’s singles. Doubles specialists Nozomi Shimizu and Catherine Choi competed in women’s doubles. Every athlete gave their all on court, battling strong opponents from around the world and gaining valuable experience regardless of the outcome.
