The I FEEL SLOVENIA LI-NING Open 2025 wrapped up with strong performances from Asian powerhouses—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei dominated most finals. But one European pair stood out and claimed the continent's only spot in a final.

The women’s doubles pair of Malena Norrman (Sweden) and Xu Wei (Austria) reached the final after a solid campaign, ultimately finishing as runners-up. They lost to Chinese Taipei's Lin Chia Chen and Lin Wei Chun in straight games (7-21, 14-21), but their run marks a highlight for European badminton at the event.

Xu Wei, who represented France until late 2025 before switching to Austria, primarily competes in singles. Since partnering with Norrman—normally a mixed doubles player—they've already found success. This marks their second runner-up finish together, following a silver medal at the 49th VICTOR FZ FORZA Hungarian International 2024.

Norrman has secured second-place finishes in mixed doubles with various partners over a short period, including Denmark’s Calvin Lundgaard (Hungarian International), her brother Martin Norrman (RSL Lithuanian International 2024), and Marcus Rindshøj (STATE Denmark Challenge 2024).

Their silver in Slovenia is a much-needed result for European representation in a European event otherwise dominated by Aian players. The only other European who was close to the podium was Magnus Johannesen (Denmark), who reached the men’s singles semifinals but fell to Korea’s Yoo Tae Bae (16-21, 18-21), earning a shared third place.

Both Norrman and Xu are scheduled to compete at this week’s Austrian Open—Norrman in mixed doubles with Ludwig Axelsson, and Xu returning to singles. Apparently not competing together this time. 

Whether they’ll continue as a pair on the circuit remains to be seen, but given their early success, fans will be hoping for a title soon.

For more information on the Austrian Open stay tuned on our website!