The Danish star survived match points in a nerve-racking deciding game before finally securing victory at the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament. The triumph earned Antonsen his 12th BWF title and his second tournament victory of the 2026 season.
Tanaka takes early control
Antonsen struggled to impose himself in the opening game as Tanaka matched his attacking play and forced him into difficult rallies.
The Japanese player took advantage of the Dane’s inconsistent start, pulling away from 15-15 to win the opening game 21-16 and put the top-ranked contender under pressure.
Antonsen’s brother and coach, Kasper Antonsen, urged him to increase the pace. The advice helped the Dane regain control in the second game, where he moved the shuttle more effectively and made Tanaka work harder in the longer exchanges.
As the Japanese player began to tire and make errors, Antonsen capitalised to win the second game 21-16 and force a decider.
Dramatic deciding game goes down to the wire
The third game developed into an extraordinary battle, with both players refusing to surrender their advantage.
Antonsen had to withstand Tanaka’s pressure as the Japanese star moved within reach of the title. Tanaka secured match point, but the Dane fought back with aggressive shot-making and determined defence to keep his hopes alive.
Both players had opportunities to finish the contest, but neither could establish a decisive advantage. Antonsen eventually edged ahead in the extended game, converting his opportunity to win 27-25 after a tense sequence of rallies.
The victory completed a memorable comeback for the Dane, who had been one point away from defeat before turning the contest around.
Antonsen claims second title of 2026
The Arctic Open crown was Antonsen’s second title of the year, following his victory at the Thailand Open in May.
It also took his career BWF title tally to 12, underlining his continued presence among the leading players in men’s singles badminton.
The win will provide the Dane with a confidence boost ahead of the Denmark Open in Odense, where he will have the opportunity to compete in front of his home supporters.
Tanaka leaves Finland with a strong campaign
Although Tanaka missed out on the title, reaching the final represented an impressive week for the Japanese player, who entered the tournament ranked world No. 18.
He had already eliminated world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the quarter-finals before advancing to the final, demonstrating his ability to challenge leading players on the World Tour.
His performance against Antonsen showed that he could compete at the highest level, even though the Danish star ultimately prevailed in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches.