Badminton’s Brightest Stars Set to Compete for $240,000 Prize

The 2025 Orléans Masters Badminton Tournament is set to captivate badminton enthusiasts worldwide as it unfolds from March 4 to March 9 at the Palais des Sports in Orléans, France. This prestigious event, now in its 13th edition, has grown exponentially in stature and prize money, offering a substantial US$240,000 purse this year.

Tournament Overview

The Orléans Masters has evolved from its humble beginnings as a regional event in 1994 to a significant fixture on the international badminton calendar. Initially known as the “Tournoi des Volants de l’Orléanais,” it gained international status in 2012, joining the Badminton Europe circuit as an International Series event. The tournament’s continuous growth led to its inclusion in the BWF World Tour Super 300 series from 2023 onwards, reflecting its elevated status and increased competitiveness. citeturn0search12

Venue

The Palais des Sports Jean Ros in Orléans serves as the tournament’s venue. Located in the heart of the city near the Orléans train station, this arena boasts a main hall with a height of 16 meters and a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators. Its central location and modern facilities make it an ideal setting for hosting international sporting events like the Orléans Masters.

Prize Money and Point Distribution

The total prize money for the 2025 Orléans Masters stands at US$240,000, distributed according to BWF regulations. Winners in the singles categories will receive $18,000 each, while doubles champions will share $18,960 per pair. The prize distribution ensures that players at various stages of the tournament are rewarded for their performances.

In addition to the financial incentives, players earn valuable BWF World Ranking points based on their progression in the tournament. The point distribution is as follows:

Top Seeds and Players to Watch

The 2025 Orléans Masters has attracted a stellar lineup of talent across all categories. Here’s a closer look at the top seeds and notable players:

Men’s Singles:

1. Lee Zii Jia: The Malaysian ace, known for his explosive playing style, leads the men’s singles seeding. His recent performances have solidified his position among the elite shuttlers.
2. Lin Chun-yi: Representing Chinese Taipei, Lin has been making waves with his consistent displays and is expected to be a strong contender.
3. Loh Kean Yew: The Singaporean sensation, renowned for his agility and tactical prowess, adds depth to the competition.

Notably, India’s HS Prannoy returns to action after a brief hiatus. His experience and skill set make him a player to watch, especially after his participation in the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships last month.

Women’s Singles:

1. An Se-young: The South Korean prodigy holds the top seed, reflecting her rapid ascent in the badminton world.
2. Wang Zhiyi: China’s rising star, known for her resilience and strategic gameplay, is seeded second.
3. Han Yue: Another formidable Chinese shuttler, Han’s recent form has been impressive, making her a strong title contender.

India’s Malvika Bansod has secured a direct entry into the main draw, showcasing the growing depth of Indian women’s badminton.

Men’s Doubles:

1. Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang: This Chinese duo leads the seeding, known for their impeccable coordination and attacking prowess.
2. Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik: The Malaysian pair, with their defensive solidity and experience, are strong contenders.
3. He Jiting / Ren Xiangyu: Another Chinese pair, their recent performances have been noteworthy, adding to the competition’s intensity.

Women’s Doubles:

1. Baek Ha-na / Lee So-hee: The South Korean duo’s synergy and tactical intelligence make them the top seeds.
2. Pearly Tan / Thinaah Muralitharan: Representing Malaysia, this pair’s dynamic play has earned them the second seed.
3. Laksika Kanlaha / Phataimas Muenwong: The Thai duo’s consistent performances have positioned them as strong contenders.

Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti are making a notable comeback in this category. Their reunion after a period apart adds excitement, especially considering Fadia’s recent success with different partners.

Mixed Doubles:

1. Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei: The Malaysian pair leads the mixed doubles seeding, known for their versatility and on-court chemistry.
2. Thom Gicquel / Delphine Delrue: France’s top duo carries the hopes of the host nation, bringing flair and tactical acumen to the court.
3. Yang Po-hsuan / Hu Ling-fang: This Chinese Taipei