2.Nozomi Okuhara
The last 6-7 months in badminton have seen the rise of several players from Japan and one of whom who has been making waves is Nozomi Okuhara. The 21-year-old made the world stand up and take notice at the 2015 Dubai Superseries Finals, where he defeated Marin, not once, but twice, en route to winning the year-ending tournament.
If you though that was just a flash in the pan, well then think again. Okuhara displayed her potential once again, this time at the All England championships where she defeated Marin for a third time in 4 months and eventually clinched her maiden crown at Birmingham.
Seeded 8 at Shah Alam, Okuhara will take on Busnan Ongbumrungphan in the opening round on Wednesday.
Edited by Staff Editor