Winners' Interview

• Daisuke FUJIHARA
• (LINE Corporation)
• Class: SL3

Tell us how you felt at the very moment you won.

I felt very happy because this tournament had many players that were of a better world ranking than me. However, I believe that this is only the beginning, so I have to brace myself.

What do you personally think was "the deciding factor" that brought you your victory today?

I think it was because I managed to stay focused till the very end despite the extremely tough match. Also, it was thanks to the many people who cheered for me even during the tough situtions during the match.

Please tell us what left an impression on you throughout this tournament.

During the first round of Mix Doubles against China, the children gave a Japan cheer and that left an impression on me. In addition, after the tournament I was able to play with the legend that I aspired to become. I will never forget that in my lifetime.

Tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.

Firstly, to win the world championship happening in November and I hope to be ranked as number 1 in the world. Then, in the year 2020 at Tokyo, Japan, I hope to display the best performance.

Lastly, please send a message to the Para-Badminton fans.

For us players, the cheers of our fans really become our strength.
Towards 2020, I will be working even harder. So please give me your continued support.

• Yuma YAMAZAKI
• (NTT Urban Development Corporation)
• Class: WH2

Tell us how you felt at the very moment you won.

I was extremely happy. My opponent in the finals was the player that I had set as my goal since the first time I fought her at the world championship in 2015, so I felt that I was able to overcome a milestone.

What do you personally think was "the deciding factor" that brought you your victory today?

Being able to properly focus and play calmly. Accompanying that was the good chairwork. Finally, getting a lot of support that gave me strength.

Please tell us what left an impression on you throughout this tournament.

Receiving a lot of cheers since this tournament was the first one in Japan (at home).

Tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.

Firstly, I wish to overcome the obstacle of the best 8 at the world championship. I want to firmly gain strength, participate in the Paralympics and clinch a medal.

Lastly, please send a message to the Para-Badminton fans.

This time, I was able to win thanks to the power of your cheers. As with this time, please give me your continued support.

• Ayako SUZUKI
• (The 77 Bank, Ltd.,)
• Class: SU5

Tell us how you felt at the very moment you won.

Many people came to support at this international tournament that was held in Japan for the first time.
As I wanted to win in front of all of them, I was happy that I was able to actually win.

What do you personally think was "the deciding factor" that brought you your victory today?

Setting up a plan and executing it from the second game onwards despite losing by 8 points in the first game.

Please tell us what left an impression on you throughout this tournament.

Receiving lots of cheers in this tournament organized in Japan. Especially in the finals, while the opponent was leading initially, everyone's cheers pushed me on and I was thus able to make a comeback. I realized that this was what it's like to play at home.

Tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.

My goal this year is to be the champion for the singles category at the world championship.
Also, to defend the number 1 world ranking and then be the champion at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Lastly, please send a message to the Para-Badminton fans.

Even within the same Badminton, there are different enjoyments to each class.
As everyone is looking ahead towards the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, please look forward to it!