Yeo ends title drought with 'sweet' German Open win

For over five years, Yeo Jia Min struggled with heartbreaking defeats, including at the 2021 Hylo Open final and Paris 2024 Olympics last-16 match, when she failed to convert a match point.

- David Lee

On March 2, the 26-year-old Singaporean unleashed a roar of relief as she finally ended a 66-month wait for a Badminton World Federation World Tour title.

She took 41 minutes to beat Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-17 in the women's singles final of the Super 300 German Open for her first World Tour title since the 2019 Hyderabad Open, and the biggest triumph of her career so far.

After picking up a cheque for US$18,000 (S$24,300), she told The Straits Times: "This title means a lot to me. I've gone through so many losses and setbacks that this victory becomes even sweeter.

"The struggle has been a long one but I kept believing that I can do it, and I'm grateful for (national singles) coach Kim (Ji-hyun) to guide me along the way.

"She has been helping me to prepare tactically and mentally before every match. Along the way, she's also making adjustments to help me improve. The results may not be immediate because some changes need a process, but we are working towards it."

Yeo, who has also relied on self-talk to remind herself to be calmer and more focused, has definitely shown positive signs.