Singapore Open: Stern Challenge Awaits Loh

Loh Kean Yew’s bid to become the first local champion in 15 years at KFF Singapore Open 2025 faces an early hurdle in the form of eighth-seeded Frenchman Alex Lanier.

Lanier won their only meeting in the quarterfinals of the Denmark Open last year. Should Loh advance, he may face another French opponent in Toma Junior Popov, who takes on Malaysia Masters 2025 semifinalist Yushi Tanaka in the first round. The top half of the draw is stacked with stars, including world No.1 Shi Yu Qi, third seed Anders Antonsen and seventh seed Kodai Naraoka.

The last Singaporeans to win their home event were women’s pair Shinta Mulia Sari and Yao Lei in 2010. The wait for a homegrown men’s singles champion stretches further back – all the way to 1962 when Wee Choon Seng claimed the title.

Withdrawals

Men’s singles: Ng Tze Yong

Mixed doubles: Koceila Mammeri/Tanina Mammeri