Sports

Badminton: Japan’s Hoki-Kobayashi target world No. 1 spot after title win

Jul 04 (The Star) - World champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan have set their sights on becoming the world No. 1 for the first time after capturing the Malaysian Open men’s doubles title in style.

Yesterday, the world No. 2 came out on top against world No. 7 Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto of Indonesia when they pulled off a sensational 24-22, 16-21, 21-9 win in 65 minutes.

They had also beaten Fajar-Rian in the final of the Thailand Open in May but then, the Indonesians were forced to concede a walkover due to an injury to the former.

With their second title this year, Hoki-Kobayashi have inched closer to the current world No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi-Kevin Sanjaya of Indonesia who have been hampered by injuries and poor form and have not won any titles this year.

The duo had pulled out of the home tournament at the eleventh hour, citing an injury to Marcus.

Six people dead, two missing in Ishikawa Pref. after torrential downpours

Six people are dead in the wake of torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture that have caused rivers to flood and mudslides across the Noto region. Some people living in temporary shelters following the New Year's Day earthquake are once again facing recovery efforts, this time from flooding. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

Signs of winter are already arriving. Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido recorded the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, making it the first observed in Japan this year.

Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

China to Lift Japanese Seafood Ban

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

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Naoya Inoue Retains Undisputed Title

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